An Illinois Lottery employee is facing charges for allegedly stealing and cashing winning instant tickets. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office said the 57-year-old man used his job status to steal books of lottery tickets from retail outlets.
He would then cash in the winners at other locations. The suspect also traded winning stolen tickets to friends for money. The employee and one of his partners were arrested on several charges. The charge have not bee proven in court.
Details of alleged Illinois Lottery scam
According to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, 57-year-old Dean Derrick, of Springfield, allegedly stole books of instant lottery tickets from retailers while working as a sales representative for the Illinois Lottery.
Courtesy: Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office
Derrick allegedly removed certain books and later took them to a separate retailer to redeem for prize money. His actions are believed to have occurred between March 23 and April 13, 2022.
“State employees are charged with carrying out the work of the public. That trust is broken when an individual seeks to personally profit from their position,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “I appreciate the partnerships of both the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Lottery in this investigation, and I will continue working to hold public employees accountable for abusing their positions and taking advantage of the public.”
Derrick is facing felony charges, including theft of government property over $500 but less than $10,000. After the court issued a warrant for his arrest, he turned himself in to the Sangamon County Jail.
His bond has been set at $15,000. If convicted, Derrick could serve up to 15 years in prison. He is set to appear in court on March 30.
Accomplice also arrested
Additionally, another Springfield man was charged for allegedly redeeming the stolen tickets. The Attorney General’s Office alleges Derrick gave a certain number of stolen winning tickets to 24-year-old Frazier Mack.
Courtesy: Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office
Mack was also charged with two counts of theft of government property over $500 but less than $10,000. Class 2 felonies are punishable by three to seven years in prison. His bond was also set at $15,000, and he is also set to appear in court on March 30.
