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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MAY 15, 2017

CONTACT: FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727

LOTTERY SECURITY REPORTS LATEST STING RESULTS;
MAKES FIVE ARRESTS

TALLAHASSEE - Last week, law enforcement agents with the Florida Lottery's Division of Security visited 71 retailer locations as part of its on-going Operation Integrity program. Lottery retail locations in Marion, Putnam, and Sumter counties were included.

As a result of these stings, five arrests were made on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014(2c1), Florida Statutes) involving Lottery tickets. One individual was arrested at Maruti Food Mart, located at 4201 Jacksonville Road in Ocala; two individuals were arrested at BP Jiffy Food Store, located at 3350 Southeast 52nd Street in Ocala; one individual was arrested at Dave's Mini Mart, located at 10859 Southeast Maricamp Road in Candler; and one individual was arrested at Coleman Food & Gas, located at 101 East Warm Springs Avenue in Coleman. The Lottery suspended its contract with all four 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 $31 billion to education and sending more than 750,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 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 $52.4 billion in prizes and made more than 1,900 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

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