SOUTH CAROLINA — Two former employees of a Chesterfield County gas station have been charged after authorities said they stole and attempted to redeem hundreds of South Carolina Education Lottery scratch-off tickets.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), 67-year-old Darlene F. Helms and 47-year-old Yoisha Renee Merell Chambers were employed at the In & Out Mini Mart on West McGregor Street in Pageland.
Investigators said surveillance footage showed the women stealing and attempting to cash in approximately 369 scratch-off lottery tickets between March 11 and March 18. Authorities estimated the value of the tickets at $11,478.
Helms and Chambers were each charged May 14 with intent to defraud and counterfeit game tickets.
SLED said the investigation was requested by the South Carolina Education Lottery.
Both women were booked into the Chesterfield County Detention Center. The case will be prosecuted by the 4th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
