Alleged Alfredo's Burglars Caught Cashing in Stolen Lottery Tickets

According to reports from the , authorities have at least two suspects in custody in connection with the burglary of a local restaurant reported in May. The suspects were captured after Pa. Lottery officials tipped police off to several locations were scratch-off instant lottery tickets that had been taken in the burglary were cashed in. Police were able to review video from those establishments and identify at least two suspects.

According to police, the owner of , at 1138 West Main St., reported on May 29 that the eatery had been burglarized sometime over night and the following items were missing from the establishment:

• Cash register (valued at $200) containing $200 in US currency;
• Donation jar containing approximately $400 in cash and coins;
• 64 Pa. Lottery instant scratch off tickets (taken from the lottery vending machine. The tickets had a face value of $1280, but a potential value of over $1 million.)

On the scene, officers reportedly observed a wire gate pried from a basement window that allowed access to a basement door which was found to be forced opened. The suspects reportedly accessed the Pa. Lottery vending machine using a key hidden inside the restaurant.

Police contacted the Pennsylvania Lottery Commission and obtained information on location, dates and times that the stolen tickets were cashed or attempted to be cashed. Police secured video surveillance from stores in Norristown, Upper Darby and Philadelphia which corresponded to the information supplied by lottery officials and were able to identify three suspects in the act of cashing or attempting to cash tickets stolen from Alfredo's Restaurant.

The suspects identified were Debra Sutton, of the 100 block of West Marshall Street in Norristown, Richard Williams, of the 700 block of West Marshall Street, and Benford Jones, address unknown. According to police, the suspects attempted to cash numerous stolen tickets and had solicited help from others in cashing more stolen tickets. During their investigation, police reportedly identified Sutton, Williams and Jones as being responsible for the burglary.

Sutton reportedly gave a written statement to police admitting to her involvement in the burglary. Sutton and Williams are both being charged burglary, conspiracy to burglary, criminal trespass and conspiracy to criminal trespass.

Police are still searching for Benford Jones and as of post time, a warrant for his arrest was pending. Anyone with information about this crime or about Jones' whereabouts should contact Norristown Police at 610-270-0977.