The Sac City Police Department reports two Californians have been arrested in connection to a recent string of burglaries in the community. Authorities say their investigation began on Dec. 30 after officers responded to a burglary alarm at The Brew, located at 210 W. Main St. in Sac City. Upon arrival, officers discovered the front door pried open with numerous stolen items, including the Iowa Lottery Scratch Ticket kiosk and vape pens. A joint investigation with the Fort Dodge Police Department found that Samantha Flippo and Robert Price, both of Sacramento, Calif., allegedly collaborated in a series of criminal activities. On Dec. 24, the pair committed third-degree burglary at Dale’s Corner Store in Fort Dodge, stealing the Iowa Lottery Scratch Ticket kiosk at that site. Authorities say they cashed winnings from stolen scratch tickets at various locations in Ida County, Sac County, and Webster County. Further thefts occurred until Dec. 31, when the Fort Dodge Police Department apprehended them. A subsequent search warrant at the Quality Inn in Fort Dodge, where the pair was staying, uncovered lottery tickets tied to The Brew in a bathroom air vent, confirmed by the Iowa Lottery Investigation Unit. Flippo and Price have been charged with ongoing criminal conduct, a class B felony, third-degree burglary, and five counts of lottery theft, class D felonies. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may follow.
