Media

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

CONTACT: FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727

LOTTERY SECURITY REPORTS LATEST STING OPERATION
RESULTING IN ONE ARREST

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Lottery's Division of Security conducted undercover operations in 22 of its retailer locations in the panhandle area from December 13 - 15. This was part of the Lottery's on-going Operation Integrity program. The retailer locations visited were in Bay, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Jackson and Escambia counties.

These businesses were selected either randomly or based on internal Lottery intelligence criteria or patron complaints. All but one location visited was found to be operating in a satisfactory condition.

One individual was arrested at the Santa Rosa Food Mart, 3008 US Highway 98 West, in Santa Rosa Beach. The individual, a store clerk, was charged with Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014(1)(a)(c)1, Florida Statutes) due to their actions during the undercover sting operation.

These actions are part of the Lottery's on-going effort to heighten awareness of what we do as an organization to combat illegal activity. The Florida Lottery will not tolerate fraudulent activity by our players or retailers. The Florida Lottery's Division of Security works to identify and take action against criminal behavior involving its retailers. If you notice any suspicious activity involving a Lottery retailer or your Lottery purchase, contact your local law enforcement agency or the Lottery's Division of Security immediately at (850) 487-7730. The earlier you report suspicious activity the easier it is to investigate.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY

The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $28 billion to education and sending more than 700,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 97 percent of its revenue back into Florida's economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Florida retailers and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $48.5 billion in prizes and made more than 1,800 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

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