St. Petersburg, Florida — Justin Farley is facing multiple charges after a string of unusual thefts and a robbery involving scratch-off lottery tickets. On May 5, 2025, Farley entered a Circle K convenience store, broke into cabinets, and stole seven books of scratch-off tickets valued at approximately $7,000 before fleeing in a gray Hyundai Elantra.

Authorities say Farley’s actions did not stop there. Less than an hour after the initial theft, he attempted to redeem the stolen tickets at a nearby 7-Eleven but was unsuccessful. Surveillance footage captured the attempt, which immediately drew police attention to his unusual pattern of behavior.

Investigators report that Farley returned to the Circle K twice more later that day, each time attempting to cash the stolen tickets, but was again unable to successfully redeem them. Each failed attempt added to the chain of evidence that would later help authorities piece together the full scope of his actions.

As the evening progressed, Farley’s actions escalated dramatically. Later that night, he returned to the nearby 7-Eleven, this time wearing a mask and brandishing what appeared to be a replica Glock. During the robbery, he took $120 in cash and a pack of Newport cigarettes before fleeing the scene.

Police quickly analyzed surveillance video from both the Circle K and 7-Eleven locations. Combined with license plate information from the gray Hyundai Elantra, investigators were able to identify Farley as the suspect responsible for the series of thefts and the armed robbery.

On May 22, police arrested Farley at a local residence. During questioning, he reportedly told officers that he “needed money,” a statement reflecting financial motivation behind the unusual sequence of events. Authorities have since charged him with multiple counts, including grand theft, attempted fraud, and armed robbery.

Legal experts note that Farley’s repeated attempts to cash the tickets and his return to the same stores highlight a risky and impulsive pattern of criminal behavior. The combination of theft, attempted fraud, and armed robbery significantly increases potential legal consequences if he is convicted on all counts.

Community members expressed shock at the audacity of returning multiple times to the same stores after stealing thousands of dollars in lottery tickets. Store owners praised quick police work and the role of modern surveillance in apprehending the suspect.

The case also underscores concerns about the security of high-value items like scratch-off tickets in convenience stores. Experts suggest that better safeguards and stricter monitoring could prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly in high-traffic locations such as St. Petersburg.

Justin Farley remains in custody pending trial, and authorities continue to investigate whether there are additional victims or related crimes. The incident serves as a reminder of the unusual lengths some individuals will go to in desperate attempts to obtain money, as well as the importance of vigilance and effective law enforcement in preventing repeated criminal activity.