A routine shift at a New Port Richey convenience store turned into a criminal case after Florida Lottery investigators say a clerk quietly walked off with a full book of high-dollar scratch-off tickets, then cashed them in nearby Hudson.
According to investigators, the incident happened on May 20 and involved tickets from the $15,000,000 Gold Rush Multiplier game. The alleged theft triggered a probe by the Florida Lottery's Division of Security.
How Investigators Say The Ticket Grab Went Down
As reported by the Tampa Free Press, management at Rebel #802 in New Port Richey contacted Lottery agents after spotting what they believed was an internal theft.
Agents allege employee Jason Irwin used a store-issued key to get into a secured storage area, pulled out a full book of scratch-off tickets, then later cashed them at several retail locations in Hudson.
Following the investigation, authorities arrested Irwin and charged him with one count of grand theft, eight counts of dealing in stolen property, and eight counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Lottery Officials Say Theft Hits Schools Too
"Protecting the integrity of Florida Lottery games requires constant vigilance and strong partnerships with our retailers," Florida Lottery Acting Secretary Reginald D. Dixon said in a statement, as reported by the Tampa Free Press.
The Florida Lottery notes that ticket revenue helps fund state education programs, including the Bright Futures Scholarship. The agency says its security teams regularly follow up on retailer complaints and compliance issues across Florida.
What The Charges Mean Under Florida Law
The listed offenses carry felony exposure under Florida law. Grand theft and dealing in stolen property are defined in Chapter 812 of the Florida Statutes, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device is set out in Chapter 934.
For the statutory language and possible penalties, see Florida Statutes §812.014, Florida Statutes §812.019, and Florida Statutes §934.215.
How The Lottery Polices Its Retailers
The Florida Lottery says its Division of Security handles criminal and compliance operations, runs a forensic lab, and can suspend or terminate retailers that violate rules.
The agency describes a Retailer Integrity Program that urges players to sign their tickets, use self-service validation terminals where available, and report any suspicious activity involving retailers. Concerns can be reported to the Lottery's security team using the contact number listed on the agency's website.
The case now moves through the local criminal process, with any court proceedings expected to appear in Pasco County records. For now, the Division of Security says the investigation remains open and is asking anyone with information to contact the Florida Lottery or local law enforcement.
