Winning Florida lottery ticket allegedly stolen, redeemed by US Postal Service worker
Key Points:
- A U.S. Postal Service employee, Lakaysha Lockhart, was arrested for stealing a winning $2,600 Pick 4 Florida lottery ticket sent through the mail and redeeming the prize herself.
- The theft was uncovered after a Florida Lottery player reported that her winning ticket never reached its intended recipient, prompting a joint investigation by the Florida Lottery Division of Security and the USPS Office of the Inspector General.
- Lockhart admitted to stealing and redeeming the ticket and faces multiple charges including grand theft, dealing in stolen property, filing a false claim, unlawful use of communication devices, and mail theft.
- Florida Lottery officials emphasized their commitment to strong security measures and maintaining player confidence, highlighting that lottery proceeds support education in Florida.