Clerk accused of stealing lottery money

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - A store clerk in Newport News is accused of stealing lottery winnings from a man who came in to cash a winning ticket.

It was at the Ivy Farms Shell Station on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News where lottery investigators say a man walked in with a Mega Millions ticket worth $600, but he walked out with much less.

"We were contacted by a player who felt that he had not received the correct prize," said Virginia Lottery spokesman John Hagerty.

Hagerty said the victim in this case received $40, while the clerk, Susan Perez, allegedly cashed the ticket for herself pocketing the $600 in winnings.

"The lottery takes very seriously any allegation of fraud and the lottery does prosecute any violation of the law or alleged violation of the law related to the lottery," said Hagerty.

Perez is charged with larceny of a lottery ticket, which is a felony. The manager of the Ivy Farms Shell Station told WAVY.com he does not believe Perez cashed the ticket for herself and he plans to keep her on staff pending the outcome of her trial.

Hagerty says there are two things you can do to protect yourself from becoming a victim. First, sign the back of your ticket before anyone else touches it.

"By signing the ticket, you establish you as the owner," explained Hagerty.

Second, use a self service scanner if your store has one inside. It will tell you how much you won before you hand the ticket to the clerk.

"It's important for people to protect themselves by taking a look at that ticket and having at least an idea whether it's a winner or not before putting it in somebody else's hands."

Hagerty is hopeful this case has a positive outcome.

"The alleged crime here is serious because it impacts the public's trust in the lottery."

Perez's attorney refused to comment on the case other than to say a trial date still has to be set. He says that should happen in August.