A man who allegedly stole 15 lottery tickets and cashed them in due to his financial need is now facing a felony charge, according to the police.
Christopher Jordan Baily, a 21-year-old individual, is facing charges for allegedly presenting a lottery ticket that was illegally obtained, according to court records.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, officers from the Pocatello Police Department were called to a gas station on North Arthur Avenue at approximately 3:30 p.m. on March 24th in response to a theft. The individual reporting the incident informed the officers that Baily, an employee of the gas station, was stealing lottery tickets and redeeming them for cash.
When the officers arrived, they engaged in a conversation with Baily.
In the affidavit, officers questioned Baily about the stolen lottery tickets, to which he confessed. When asked about the quantity, Baily reportedly admitted to taking 15 tickets, explaining that he did so because he was in need of money.
Baily was arrested and transported to Bannock County Jail for the purpose of being booked. He was subsequently released on the same day, without the need for bail or bond.
If Baily is convicted, he could potentially be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
A preliminary hearing is set for Thursday, where he is expected to appear in court before Magistrate Judge R. Todd Garbett.
Baily, who has been accused of this crime, should not automatically be assumed guilty. In our legal system, everyone is considered innocent until proven otherwise.
