News writer
Police in Texas say a stolen tool played a huge role in connecting multiple burglaries, including the theft and claiming of lottery tickets. After multiple robberies were reported just days apart, investigators determined the crimes weren't random. Detectives were able to tie the incidents together using an unlikely piece of evidence: a stolen chainsaw that allegedly helped the suspect break into the gas station at one crime scene.
Stolen chainsaw links crimes together
According to the Livingston Police Department, the first incident involved the theft of a chainsaw from a tree service truck that was parked in the area. Shortly after that incident took place, officers were called to a gas station burglary in the same area.
Investigators determined that the same stolen chainsaw from the first incident was used to force entry into the gas station. Once inside the gas station, police say the suspect stole Texas Lottery instant tickets.
Authorities say both of these incidents occurred in the same area and within the same time period. That helped detectives determine that they were part of a single crime spree, and not isolated cases.
Stolen lottery tickets cashed in
During the investigation, authorities were able to identify Carmen Henderson, 46, of Livingson, as a suspect. Police would later determine that Henderson's girlfriend, Nephrateri Sincere Jones, 28, also of Livingston, had allegedly cashed in some of the stolen lottery tickets.
Officials said the tickets redeemed amounted to more than $1,000. The redemption of these lottery tickets helped link the gas station burglary to the original chainsaw theft, police said.
Lottery tickets are serialized and then tracked through a redemption system. Because of this, it makes it difficult to cash in stolen tickets without raising any red flags.
Another theft leads to an arrest
We had even more action from the suspect. In the early morning hours of January 24, officers working the night shift were sent to investigate a reported theft in progress at a body shop along U.S. Highway 59 South.
Once at the scene, officers were able to locate a suspect, who was identified as Henderson. Police say he was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine at the time.
Henderson was found with Jones, and both individuals were taken into custody without incident, officials said.
Multiple charges filed
The suspects were booked into jail. Henderson was charged with burglary of a building, burglary of a vehicle, claiming a lottery prize by fraud, theft of property, and possession of a controlled substance. Jones was charged with claiming a lottery prize by fraud.
Officials said the investigation shows how seemingly small thefts can escalate quickly. They also noted that stolen lottery tickets can leave behind a trail that helps law enforcement connect crimes.
Lottery tickets may be an easy target, officials said, but attempts to cash them often draw attention and can ultimately help investigators identify suspects.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and encourages anyone with additional information related to the case to contact authorities.
Enjoy playing the Texas Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
Comments