A Georgia man has been charged in a fraud case involving a stolen lottery ticket in Aiken County, South Carolina. Harold Dean Pace III, 39, was arrested last Saturday following an investigation led by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) at the request of the SC Education Lottery.
Details of the Fraud Case
Pace faces two charges: intent to defraud and counterfeit game tickets. He is currently held at the Aiken County Detention Center, with the prosecution expected to be handled by the 2nd Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Timeline of Events
- March 2023: Pace attempted to cash a stolen scratch-off lottery ticket at a Sprint Food Store in North Augusta.
- Location of Theft: The ticket was originally stolen from 88 Mart in Clarks Hill.
- Occupation at Time: Pace was performing pest control services at the Sprint Food Store.
Investigation and Evidence
The arrest of Pace was facilitated by a thorough investigation, which included collecting video evidence. Law enforcement authorities continue to pursue the details surrounding this fraud case, focusing on how the ticket was obtained and the extent of the operation.
This case raises concerns about lottery fraud and the measures in place to prevent such crimes. The SC Education Lottery remains vigilant in investigating incidents of fraud to protect players and the integrity of the lottery system.
