Investigators from Minnesota’s State Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division have busted a crime ring targeting safes containing money from charitable gambling organizations.
eight people were charged for allegedly stealing almost $200,000
According to reports, eight people were charged for allegedly stealing almost $200,000 in pull tab funds earmarked for youth, veteran, sport, and community organizations.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety cited an AGE probe that started in August 2023 and remained active for several months, investigating “a pattern of burglaries” targeting pull tab funds from charities including American Legion.
During the 14-month investigation, AGE agents found that St. Paul resident Arron King, 50, masterminded the scheme between March 2023 and February 2024 from his own home. King allegedly briefed his accomplices on what properties to target.
Prosecutors say King’s gang employed “pry bars and sledgehammers” to access properties with safes holding pull tab sales cash.
