Tennessee Store Clerk Arrested for Stealing Winning $1M Lottery Ticket
In a shocking incident in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a store clerk has been arrested for allegedly stealing a winning lottery ticket worth $1 million from a customer. Meet Patel, 23, has been charged with theft of over $250,000, as confirmed by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
The Incident
The real winner, a father who chose to remain anonymous, purchased two Diamond and Gold scratch-off lottery tickets for $20 each at a Shell gas station. After scratching off the front bar codes, he handed the tickets to Patel to check their status. Unaware of the ticket values, the customer was deceived by Patel, who informed him that one ticket had won $40, while the other was a non-winner. Patel then threw the million-dollar ticket in the trash and pocketed it.
Surveillance Footage and Investigation
Patel’s actions were captured on the store’s surveillance cameras. The footage shows him retrieving the discarded winning ticket from the trash and later celebrating inside the store. When Patel attempted to claim the prize, lottery officials grew suspicious and launched an investigation, which included reviewing the surveillance video.
Discovery and Arrest
The rightful winner was unaware of his fortune until Detective Lieutenant Steve Craig from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office contacted him. “That is absolutely life-changing money,” Craig told NewsChannel 5. Initially skeptical, the father eventually accepted the reality of his significant win and expressed his gratitude.
Patel is currently held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $100,000 bond. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and honesty, especially in situations involving significant sums of money.
Conclusion
The theft of the winning lottery ticket by Patel highlights both the potential for deceit in seemingly ordinary transactions and the critical role of thorough investigations in ensuring justice. The anonymous father can now look forward to a brighter future, thanks to the diligent work of law enforcement and lottery officials.
