SOUTH CAROLINA — A Florence County woman has been charged after state investigators said she stole and redeemed more than 130 lottery tickets while working at a local grocery store.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Joanne Harrelson, 53, of Johnsonville, faces charges following an investigation requested by the South Carolina Education Lottery.
An arrest warrant states that between Feb. 13 and March 7, Harrelson allegedly stole 131 scratch-off lottery tickets while employed at Prospect Grocery.
Investigators said Harrelson redeemed the stolen tickets at the same store for nearly $500. The warrant states the alleged thefts and redemptions were captured on video surveillance.
Jail records show Harrelson was charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent and lottery/intent to defraud, counterfeit game tickets.
Harrelson was arrested and booked into the Florence County Detention Center on Wednesday. According to jail records, she was released later the same day after posting a $5,000 bond for each charge.
The case will be prosecuted by the 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
