Three suspects have been identified in connection with the video lottery burglary at Valley Mart in Volga, South Dakota, thanks to a Crime Stoppers tip and public assistance. Arrest warrants have been issued for the individuals involved in the January 30, 2025, crime.
The suspects are:
Kenneth Carder (32), from Sioux Falls, charged with Intentional Damage to Property, Tampering with a Video Lottery Machine, and Intentional Damage.
Jacob Gertsema (27), also from Sioux Falls, facing charges of Petty Theft, Intentional Damage to Property, Tampering with a Video Lottery Machine, and Grand Theft.
Larissa Messenbrink (26), from Sioux Falls, charged with Grand Theft and Driving Without a Valid License.
Jacob Gertsema has been arrested in Sioux Falls and is currently being held at the Brookings County Detention Center on a $7,500 cash bond and a parole detainer.
The burglary occurred around 11:41 AM on January 30, when two suspects entered Valley Mart, broke into a video lottery machine, and stole an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects fled southbound in a vehicle, which was later traced to 464th Avenue, before leaving the area. Witnesses provided images of the vehicle, and discarded clothing from the crime scene was found by a South Dakota Game and Fish Conservation Officer. The stolen vehicle had previously been linked to an attempted break-in at another video lottery machine in Brookings.
The investigation is being led by the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office and the Brookings Police Department, with assistance from the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Moody County Sheriff’s Office, and Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities urge the public to refrain from approaching the remaining suspects, as arrest warrants are still active for them.
Thanks to the valuable information from the community, progress is being made in the investigation.
