Luck Runs Out for L.A. Robbery Crew: Trio Sentenced After Brazen Multi-Store Lottery Heist
LOS ANGELES — A systematic crime spree that targeted convenience stores across Los Angeles County has come to a definitive end. Three men responsible for a string of brazen robberies, which netted them approximately $200,000 in lottery tickets, have been sentenced to significant prison terms, officials announced this week.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Darrick Johnson, 29, Taivyon Spells, 20, and James Guillermo Guyton, 29, were each sentenced to 13 years in state prison. The sentencing follows a coordinated investigation into a series of heists that left retail workers shaken and local law enforcement on high alert during the spring of 2024.
A Two-Month Reign of Terror
According to investigators, the trio’s criminal activity was prolific and fast-paced. Between February 13 and April 11, 2024, the crew executed a relentless campaign targeting small businesses. In total, the group struck 28 different 7-Eleven locations and five other convenience stores, totaling 33 robberies in just under two months.
The group’s primary objective was consistently the same: high-value California Lottery scratchers. By focusing on lottery tickets, the crew was able to quickly amass a fortune in potential winnings, though the sheer volume of the theft—valued at $200,000—helped investigators track the patterns of the crimes.
Precision and Prosecution
The District Attorney’s Office highlighted the coordinated nature of the robberies, describing the crew as a organized unit that moved quickly from one location to the next. The spree spanned multiple neighborhoods, forcing local precincts to pool resources to identify and apprehend the suspects.
“These were not isolated incidents, but a calculated series of robberies that put frontline workers in danger,” law enforcement officials noted during the proceedings. The 13-year sentences reflect the severity of the charges, which included multiple counts of second-degree robbery.
Community Impact
For the employees of the 28 7-Eleven stores targeted, the sentencing brings a sense of closure. Retail theft has become a growing concern for Los Angeles business owners, and prosecutors hope this case serves as a stern warning to others who might consider similar criminal paths.
The California Lottery closely monitored the case, as stolen tickets are typically flagged in their system, making it difficult for thieves to claim any prizes associated with the stolen merchandise. While the crew managed to physically take the tickets, their “big win” ultimately resulted in a decade-long stint behind bars.
As of this week, all three men have begun serving their sentences in the California state prison system.