AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. — The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division charged a Georgia man in connection with a lottery fraud case in Aiken County.
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Authorities arrested Harold Dean Pace III, 39, on Saturday after a SLED investigation requested by the SC Education Lottery.
SLED charged Pace with two counts of intent to defraud and counterfeit game tickets.
Officials booked Pace into the Aiken County Detention Center, and the 2nd Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the case.
According to authorities, Pace attempted to cash a stolen scratch-off lottery ticket in March 2023 from a Sprint Food Store in North Augusta.
Pace was doing pest control services at the business while the ticket was stolen from 88 Mart in Clarks Hill, investigators said.
A local man has been formally charged with fraud after allegedly cashing a stolen lottery ticket, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The case has drawn attention to the growing concerns over lottery theft and the measures in place to prevent such crimes.
Incident and Investigation
The incident came to light when the rightful owner of the lottery ticket reported it missing. Law enforcement quickly launched an investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and transaction records from the point of sale. Investigators determined that the suspect had attempted to claim the winnings at a local retailer. Upon verification, officials confirmed the ticket had been reported stolen, leading to immediate legal action.
Charges and Legal Implications
The man now faces criminal charges for fraud and theft, which could carry significant penalties if he is convicted. Legal experts explain that cases involving stolen lottery tickets are treated seriously due to the financial impact on victims and the potential to erode public trust in lottery systems. Penalties can include restitution, fines, and prison time, depending on the jurisdiction and the amount involved.
Community and Lottery Officials Respond
Lottery officials have urged the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity. “We take all reports of stolen tickets seriously,” a spokesperson said. “Our goal is to ensure that winnings go to the rightful owners and that fraudulent activities are swiftly addressed.”
Authorities are also reminding retailers to follow strict verification procedures when accepting lottery tickets for redemption. Enhanced security measures, such as tracking serial numbers and monitoring unusual claims, are part of ongoing efforts to prevent fraud.
Next Steps
The suspect is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks. Authorities continue to investigate whether the individual was acting alone or as part of a larger scheme. Meanwhile, officials encourage anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in both handling lottery tickets and reporting suspicious activity promptly.
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