Media

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017

CONTACT: FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727

LOTTERY SECURITY REPORTS LATEST STING RESULTS; MAKES EIGHT ARRESTS

TALLAHASSEE - Last week, law enforcement agents with the Florida Lottery's Division of Security visited 74 retailer locations in Hernando, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties as part of its on-going Operation Integrity program. As a result of these stings, eight arrests were made and three retailers have had their Florida Lottery contract terminated. Below is a summary of the arrests:

One individual was arrested at Tiger No. 2 Food Mart Inc., located at 1730 4th Street South in St. Petersburg, on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014 - 2(c)1, Florida Statutes). Florida Lottery contract has also been terminated.

One individual was arrested at Sam's Sunoco, located at 1517 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014 - 2(c)1, Florida Statutes).

One individual was arrested at TLC Food Mart, located at 2822 Beach Boulevard South in Gulfport, on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014 - 2(c)1, Florida Statutes). Florida Lottery contract has also been terminated.

One individual was arrested at 7-Eleven, located at 18934 U.S. Highway 19 in Hudson, on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014 - 2(c)1, Florida Statutes).

One individual was arrested at In & Out Food Store, located at 3514 Grand Boulevard in New Port Richey, on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014 - 2(c)1, Florida Statutes).

One individual was arrested at Best Discount Food Mart, located at 5014 U.S. Highway 19 North in New Port Richey, on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014 - 2(c)1, Florida Statutes).

One individual was arrested at Quick Stop, located at 7529 U.S. Highway 19 North in New Port Richey, on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014 - 2(c)1, Florida Statutes). Florida Lottery contract has also been terminated.

One individual was arrested at Jefferson Marathon, located at 600 East Jefferson Street in Brooksville, on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014 - 2(c)1, Florida Statutes).

These actions are part of the Lottery's on-going effort to heighten awareness of what it does as an organization to combat illegal activity. The Florida Lottery will not tolerate fraudulent activity by 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 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 $32 billion to education and sending more than 775,000 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 contributions to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $56.3 billion in prizes and made more than 2,000 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

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