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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

CONTACT: FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727

LOTTERY SECURITY REPORTS LATEST STING RESULTS;
MAKES TWO ARRESTS

TALLAHASSEE -This week, law enforcement agents with the Florida Lottery's Division of Security visited 33 retailer locations as part of its on-going Operation Integrity program. Lottery retail locations in Madison, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette and Taylor counties were included.

As a result of these stings, two arrests were made on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014(2c1), Florida Statutes) involving Lottery tickets. One individual was arrested at the Marathon Gas Station, located at 2410 South Byron Butler Parkway in Perry, and another individual was arrested at the Step-In convenience store, located at 1996 Hamilton Avenue in Jennings. The Lottery suspended its contract at both retail locations.

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 $29 billion to education and sending more than 725,000 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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