News writer
A concern was reported to the police in New York regarding an American Legion employee possibly stealing lottery tickets while on the clock. Officials say the employee took advantage of on-the-job access to these instant-win lottery tickets. The Auburn employee allegedly not only stole tickets while working, but then also pocketed the winnings on multiple occasions.
Employee stealing from the business
On February 18, 2026, an investigation began after Swietoniowski-Kopeczek American Legion Post No. 1324, located at 168 State St. in Auburn, New York, reported to police that an employee had been stealing from the business, according to the Auburn Police Department.
During their investigation, authorities found that the employee, who was later identified as Thomas E. Crawford III, repeatedly took instant-win New York Lottery tickets, also known as pull tabs. He was also allegedly keeping the proceeds from the winning tickets. This was all being done while he was working.
The total value of the stolen tickets and winnings was $2,079.50, according to police.
On March 24, Crawford was arrested and charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony. He was processed and released on an appearance ticket, officials said.
Lottery ticket spree in California
Between February 13 and April 11, 2024, a trio of suspects carried out a series of coordinated robberies. These robberies targeted 7-Eleven convenience stores across southern Los Angeles County.
These robberies took place in 28 different stores, with a total of 33 robberies taking place and over $200K in merchandise stolen. In each incident, multiple suspects entered the store, went behind the counter, and took merchandise, including lottery tickets, before fleeing the store. In many of the cases, the employees were threatened or physically assaulted.
Investigators were able to track the stolen California Lottery tickets using the unique serial numbers. They were able to use those tickets to link the robberies to their redemption at various stores. Surveillance footage was obtained showing the defendants redeeming the stolen tickets.
Trio sentenced
On March 25, 2026, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that three defendants had been sentenced to 13 years each for their role in these robberies.
On March 24, Darrick Johnson, 29, was sentenced after pleading no contest to 11 felony counts of second-degree robbery. On February 24, Taivyon Spells, 20, and James Guillermo Guyton, 29, were each sentenced. Spells pleaded no contest to 11 felony counts of second-degree robbery. Guyton pleaded no contest to five felony counts of second-degree robbery, two felony counts of grand theft, and one felony count of possession of ammunition by a felon with a special allegation that the offense was committed while he was released on bail.
A bench warrant remains outstanding for co-defendant Jose Guzman Ferreyra, 28, officials said.
In a statement, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said:
As for those thinking of robbing a 7-Eleven or any business in our county, please know that you will be arrested, prosecuted, and end up not with a lottery ticket but a one-way ticket to prison to serve a substantial sentence.
Enjoy playing the New York Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
