FLORIDA — A Pasco County convenience store clerk has been arrested after allegedly stealing and redeeming Florida Lottery scratch-off tickets from the store where he worked, according to the Florida Lottery.
The investigation began after a licensed retailer reported suspected internal theft at Rebel #802 in New Port Richey. The Florida Lottery’s Division of Security launched an investigation into the allegations.
According to investigators, store clerk Jason Irwin used a store-issued key on May 20 to access secured lottery inventory and remove tickets from the $15,000,000 Gold Rush Multiplier scratch-off game without purchasing them.
Authorities said the stolen tickets were later redeemed at multiple locations in Hudson.
Irwin was arrested and charged with grand theft, eight counts of dealing in stolen property and eight counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Florida Lottery officials said the agency works closely with retailers to protect the integrity of lottery games and ensure proceeds continue supporting education programs across the state.
The case remains under investigation.
