Anoka County prosecutors have charged Lester Buckie Mondeth, 27, of Minneapolis, with felony lottery fraud, marking the latest in a string of criminal cases that stretch across multiple counties and span several years. The new charge, filed October 7, 2025, accuses Mondeth of stealing scratch-off tickets from Columbia Heights gas stations and cashing a $200 winning ticket at a Brooklyn Center liquor store.
Latest Case: Lottery Fraud in Columbia Heights
Court records state that Mondeth took more than 20 Minnesota State Lottery tickets during a theft in September. Surveillance video reportedly captured him concealing the tickets before leaving the store. When one of the stolen tickets was redeemed for $200, investigators traced the transaction back to Mondeth.
Under Minnesota law, it is a felony to redeem or attempt to redeem stolen lottery tickets. If convicted, Mondeth faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
A Pattern of Criminal Conduct
The new case adds to an extensive record that shows Mondeth’s repeated encounters with law enforcement:
- Coon Rapids, 2021: Mondeth was charged after cutting tags from merchandise at a Target store, attempting to steal an Xbox controller, and struggling with officers. An officer sustained injuries during the arrest.
- Hilltop, 2022: Mondeth was accused of stealing a $729 iPhone 12 from a Cricket Wireless store. He allegedly walked out without paying and never returned.
- St. Paul, 2022: In a domestic violence case, prosecutors charged Mondeth with assault and interfering with a 911 call after a woman reported being punched and having her phone destroyed to prevent her from calling for help.
- Anoka County, 2023: He was charged with fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct after allegedly entering a woman’s bedroom at a treatment center, exposing himself, and attempting unwanted sexual contact.
- Fridley, March 2024: Prosecutors say Mondeth broke into a vehicle, stole a firearm, credit cards, and electronics, and tried to flee police on foot. He was later charged with felony firearm theft, fraud, property damage, and fleeing officers.
- Minneapolis, February 2024: Mondeth admitted to stealing a woman’s purse during a robbery at a US Bank branch parking lot. He fled in a stolen Toyota RAV4, which police later recovered. Surveillance footage and evidence tied him to the crime.
- Dakota County, July 2024: He allegedly gave police a false name after shoplifting at the Eagan Outlets. Officers reported that Mondeth initially claimed to be a relative before admitting his true identity.
- St. Cloud, November 2024: Mondeth was charged with fleeing police in a stolen SUV after a high-speed pursuit. Officers say he drove without headlights, hit spike strips, and continued to flee before being stopped and arrested.
Court Proceedings Ahead
Mondeth has been summoned to appear in Anoka County District Court on October 21, 2025, where a judge will review bail conditions and set a schedule for future hearings.
His criminal history demonstrates an escalating pattern — from thefts and assaults to violent robbery and sexual misconduct — raising questions about both public safety and the repeated opportunities he’s had to reoffend across county lines.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based solely on criminal complaints filed in Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, and Stearns counties.