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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

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 30 retailer locations as part of its on-going Operation Integrity program. Lottery retail locations in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Pasco and Sarasota counties were included.

As a result of these stings, two arrests were made in the Sarasota County area on charges of Grand Theft (violation of section 812.014(1)(a)(c)1, Florida Statutes) as a result of subjects' actions. Both subjects arrested were retailers, which resulted in immediate suspension of their Lottery contract for conduct prejudicial to public confidence in the Lottery.

Additionally, two randomly selected Retailer Education/Inspections were conducted during this operational period. Each inspected location was found to be operating in a satisfactory condition, with minor corrective actions taken during the visit.

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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