8 Clerks Busted in Lottery Fraud Sting in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Eight clerks have been charged with lottery fraud for attempting to cash-in winning lottery tickets for themselves.

Investigators from the Minnesota State Lottery’s security office, along with Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement Division agents, made unannounced visits to lottery retail locations during December and January.

At each location, the agents handed over a specially-constructed lottery ticket that appeared to be a winner and asked the clerk to verify that it was a winning ticket.

Of the 186 stores visited, clerks at five stores didn't return the ticket to the agent, but kept it for themselves and attempted to claim the prize at Minnesota State Lottery headquarters.

“As we expected, the overwhelming majority of the store employees did the right thing by telling the agent to sign the back of the ticket and take it to the Lottery for payment,” Lottery Executive Director Clint Harris said. “We’re pleased with the number of employees who followed the proper procedures and disappointed in the few individuals who did not.

The cases of fraud were referred to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, which charged eight clerks with of felony lottery fraud. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

“Maintaining the integrity of the Lottery’s games and operations is our top priority,” Harris said. “Players must be confident that they will be paid all prizes they have won."

The Minnesota State Lottery says players can protect their tickets by singing the back of the ticket before presenting it at the store.

Players can also check tickets themselves at one of the more than 1,600 ticket checkers the Lottery has installed around the state.

Any person with a complaint relating to the security or integrity of the Minnesota State Lottery or any of its games can call (651) 635-8273 (press 2) or e-mail lottery@mnlottery.com.