Media

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

CONTACT: FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727

FLORIDA LOTTERY REPORTS CONVICTION OF INDIVIDUAL FOR
FORGERY OF A LOTTERY TICKET WITH INTENT TO DEFRAUD

TALLAHASSEE - Law enforcement agents with the Florida Lottery's Division of Security announce the successful prosecution this week of Steven Randolph Donehoo by the State of Florida Second Judicial Circuit. Donehoo was charged with forgery of an altered Lottery ticket with the intent to defraud, and fraud-false statement/filing false claim for payment. Donehoo was found guilty on both charges; sentencing will occur at a later date.

In August, Donehoo submitted an altered ticket to the Florida Lottery for payment, stating that he was the winner of a $10 million prize. Upon inspection of the ticket, Florida Lottery agents determined separate ticket portions had been taped together to show a total prize amount of $11,025,050 for a game with a $10 million top prize. The inspection was confirmed by an examination conducted by the Florida Lottery Forensic Lab.

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 $30 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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