Investigators in Minnesota Discover and Disrupt Burglary Syndicate Stealing from Gambling Resources
Cracking Down on Charity Thieves
Listen up, folks! A crime ring in Minnesota's Twin Cities has been exposed for targeting safes stuffed with cash from charitable gambling organizations. They masterfully orchestrated a scheme to snatch almost $200,000, specifically from funds meant for youth, veteran, sport, and community organizations.
According to the investigators from Minnesota's State Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division, this long-running operation has been busted. A 14-month investigation spearheaded by AGE agents uncovered their sinister strategies during the probe launched in August 2023.
The main suspect behind this heist is a St. Paul resident named Arron King, 50, who allegedly masterminded the crime from his home. King reportedly coordinated his accomplices, providing them with essential intel on properties to rob.
King's gang was not shy about using force, employing pry bars and sledgehammers to gain access to properties harboring safes filled with pull-tab sales cash. Their spree included breaking into locations such as American Legion, bars, and restaurants across cities like Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Chanhassen.
It's worth noting that eight individuals were charged in connection with this crime, although their names haven't been disclosed yet. The conspiracy even involved over 40 forced break-ins across the state during their reign of terror.
Surprisingly, despite the criminal nature of their activities, no one was physically harmed during the burglaries. It seems money was their only motivation, as the funds were mainly earmarked for community and youth programs.
This case was brought to light thanks to the combined efforts of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and 20 local law enforcement agencies. The collaboration led to racketeering charges covering 44 felony second-degree and attempted second-degree burglaries and thefts, amounting to a staggering total of more than $197,000 in stolen gambling funds.
It's a relief to see justice being served, and we can only hope that these funds will now be returned to their rightful recipientsβour local communities and youth programs!
In the ongoing saga, a 14-month investigation revealed that the criminal activities centering around the casino-and-gambling sector were exploited by a group planning burglaries on charitable gambling organizations in Minnesota's Twin Cities, which includes casinos, bars, American Legion, and restaurants like Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Chanhassen. Interestingly, the general news recently reported on this crime-and-justice case, highlighting how this gang orchestrated the theft of nearly $200,000 intended for community, youth, veteran, and sports programs.
