News writer
A Florida convenience store found itself at the center of an unusual crime trend when a thief repeatedly targeted its stash of Florida Lottery tickets. Authorities said the same store was hit multiple times in late August, with scratch-off tickets disappearing on four separate occasions in less than a week.
The pattern raised concern among investigators and store employees, who moved quickly to put new precautions in place before another attempt could be made. Their efforts paid off, but not before one final, failed try added a dramatic twist to the case.
Multiple thefts at a convenience store
Four different thefts of Florida Lottery tickets took place at a convenience store in south Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Authorities said the thefts took place on August 24, 28, 29, and 30, and the total value of the stolen tickets was $785.
After the repeated thefts, the convenience store then implemented new measures to help prevent any further thefts from taking place. These measures proved to be successful.
New robbery attempt thwarted
On September 3, the suspect, later identified as 29-year-old David Martinez Santiesteban of Brandon, attempted another theft at the same convenience store. However, he was unable to get away with any tickets this time.
Detectives were able to investigate the case, and they identified Santiesteban as the suspect. They were able to secure warrants for his arrest.
On September 5, Santiesteban arrived at the Polk County Sheriff's Office's Southwest District Office, turning himself in and admitting to the crimes.
Santiesteban was charged with four counts of burglary, four counts of petit theft, and one count of attempted burglary. Because Santiesteban traveled across county lines, the burglary charges were enhanced one degree, officials said.
An illegal gambling house was busted
Meanwhile, in western Miami-Dade, authorities say they arrested two women after an undercover operation led to the discovery of an illegal gambling house operating out of a business.
Around 8:00 p.m. ET on September 6, detectives executed a search warrant at Galaxy Arcades, located at 12218 SW 8th Street in Miami. Authorities said undercover officers had conducted multiple operations at the arcade between August 13 and September 6. Officials said electronic gaming machines allegedly paid out cash to customers.
Two undercover detectives said they played machines resembling slot machines using $50 in official funds. They later received a $23 cash payout from 60-year-old Beatriz Vichot, who was the only employee on site.
Around 8:55 p.m. ET, detectives entered the store with a search warrant and detained approximately 12 patrons who were actively gambling, authorities said. Vichot was arrested and charged with bookmaking, keeping a gambling house, and possession of a gambling device.
About an hour later, 52-year-old Kenia Landa arrived at the arcade. She was arrested around 9:55 p.m. ET and charged with bookmaking, renting a property for gambling purposes, keeping a gambling house, and possession of a gambling device.
According to the police report, the Galaxy Arcade “serves no legitimate purpose other than facilitating illegal gambling with cash payouts.”
Enjoy playing the Florida Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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