A man in Montana was arrested and accused of stealing several thousands of dollars worth of lottery tickets and cartons of cigarettes from a convenience store.
James Alexander Drew is a Montana man with a criminal history. It was reported that he was previously convicted of felony criminal endangerment. He additionally was recently arrested on theft-related allegations, and he was released from incarceration on a bond.
Drew was reportedly in Great Falls on February 9.
The man allegedly went into a local Town Pump Convenience Store, and according to the manager on duty at the time, Drew walked up a staircase that led to a space where the public is not allowed to enter.
When Drew reached the upper level, he reportedly approached a cage that contained store inventory. It was reported that the door of the cage was locked.
Drew allegedly busted into the secured space and swiped many cartons of cigarettes, several packs of scratch-off lottery tickets, and an assortment of merchandise.
The store manager went up to the cage and saw that many items appeared to be missing, and the authorities were notified.
The manager believed that while Drew was in the cage, he had taken 55 cartons of cigarettes. He additionally believed Drew stole seven packs of lottery tickets. The minimum estimated loss for the allegedly stolen goods was assessed to be $7,400.
The police viewed surveillance video from the store to see if the incident had been recorded.
When the officer viewed the footage, it was reported that he said he knew the suspect from having previously encountered him.
Drew was placed under arrest on February 11. He is facing charges of felony burglary and felony theft.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.