Published on: January 9, 2026, 12:35h.
Updated on: January 9, 2026, 12:35h.
- An Alabama woman committed robbery at a Chick-fil-A to fund gambling
- Two individuals in Pennsylvania were arrested for cocaine possession within a casino
An Alabama woman has been arrested after allegedly robbing a Chick-fil-A drive-thru and then heading to a nearby casino to gamble the stolen money.
Authorities believe that Kaudija Shondrelle Haynes, 32, hailing from Birmingham, is responsible for the robbery at the Chick-fil-A in Leeds. Reports indicate that she proceeded directly to Wind Creek Casino in Wetumpka after the heist.
Haynes did not comply easily. Upon the arrival of law enforcement at the tribal casino, she attempted to escape. After entering her vehicle, she sped away, leading to a police pursuit that ended when she lost control and crashed her SUV.
“We are relieved that no employees or customers were harmed,” stated Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin. “This person endangered many lives while fleeing and when she tried to evade law enforcement in Wetumpka. She could have seriously injured herself or others. This showcases the lengths addiction drives individuals to in order to gamble or use illicit substances.”
Haynes now faces charges of first-degree robbery, reckless endangerment, and fourth-degree property theft.
Cocaine Discovered at Casino
Law enforcement in Pennsylvania has announced the arrest of two individuals at a casino for cocaine possession and use.
The Bureau of Gaming Enforcement of the Pennsylvania State Police acted on a request from the surveillance team at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mt. Pocono on January 8, 2026. Security staff had reportedly witnessed two men partaking in drug use, specifically inhaling a white powdery substance.
The suspects, identified as Fadi Wahbeh, 64, from Whitehall, PA, and Johanna Padilla, 44, from Paterson, NJ, were apprehended and taken into custody. FOX56 was the first to report the arrests at Mount Airy Casino.
Nestled in the scenic Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Mount Airy is a luxurious four-star resort boasting a casino filled with 1,700 slot machines, 70 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook.
Mount Airy was established by Louis DeNaples, who had connections to the Bufalino crime family, which necessitated the transfer of ownership of the project to his daughter to obtain a state gaming license. The casino opened its doors in October 2007.
Cocaine Possession Laws
In Pennsylvania, a first-time offense for cocaine possession and/or use is treated as a misdemeanor. Conviction for a cocaine misdemeanor may lead to fines up to $5,000, and while jail time up to one year is a possibility, it is seldom enforced.
“Subsequent offenses can result in stricter penalties, including fines of up to $25,000 and potential imprisonment for up to three years,” notes Brian Ziegler, a self-identified “Philadelphia Cocaine Attorney.”
Despite a significant decline in cocaine use in the United States since its peak in the 1980s, millions of adults reportedly try it at least once each year. Powdered cocaine is classified as a Schedule II narcotic under the US Controlled Substances Act, indicating a high potential for abuse.