An ex-gas station employee is accused of stealing numerous lottery tickets from his former employer earlier this year.
Jeffery Penca, 54, was charged with ongoing criminal conduct – unlawful activity (Class B felony), lottery – forgery or theft of ticket (Class D felony), and second-degree theft (Class D felony).
Court records say the reported theft took place on July 2nd at the Yesway gas station on West Second Street in Ottumwa. During his shift, Penca allegedly took 66 lottery tickets of various denominations. His actions were later observed via video surveillance.
Police say Penca scanned the tickets into the cash register but did not pay for them. Additionally, Penca kept the winning tickets and took them with him at the end of his shift. According to court documents, the value of the stolen tickets was $1,900.
A warrant for Penca’s arrest was issued on August 19th and he was taken into custody on October 27th.
Penca is currently in the Wapello County Jail where he is being held on a $35,000 bond. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 7th.
