Media

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

CONTACT: FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS

(850) 487-7727

communications@flalottery.com

LOTTERY SECURITY CONDUCTS 97 COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATIONS,
MAKES THREE ARRESTS

TALLAHASSEE - Between February 19 and March 18, 2021, law enforcement Special Agents with the Florida Lottery's Division of Security conducted 97 compliance investigations as part of its ongoing integrity efforts. These operations were conducted in Alachua, Broward, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Dade, Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough, Lee, Marion, Okaloosa, and Palm Beach counties.

One arrest was made at Boulevard Mobile, located at 1737 East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala. The store clerk arrested was charged with a misdemeanor theft (violation of section 812.014, Florida Statutes).

One arrest was made at Julito's Market Corp, located at 1810 Southwest 3rd Street in Miami. The store clerk arrested was charged with a misdemeanor theft (violation of section 812.014, Florida Statutes).

One arrest was made at Nine Mile Raceway, located at 701 West Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. The store clerk arrested was charged with a misdemeanor for unlawful assignment or transfer of right to claim prize (violation of section 812.014, Florida Statutes).

Security compliance investigations are part of the Lottery's ongoing effort to heighten awareness around security and to prevent illegal activity. The Florida Lottery has zero tolerance for 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 $39 billion to education and sending more than 880,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 99 percent of its revenue back into Florida's economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Lottery retailers, and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $75.6 billion in prizes and made more than 3,000 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

# # #
Play Responsibly