Lexington County man charged with lottery fraud after stealing tickets, SLED says

A Lexington County man has been charged with lottery fraud, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced, after the state’s Education Lottery request an investigation.

Demonta Deone Gillespie, 43, was charged with intent to defraud, counterfeit game tickets on March 27.

According to an arrest warrant, Gillespie went to an Xpress Zone gas station on Bush River Road around 5 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2022 received a $500 cash payout

But Gillespie allegedly stole the tickets from a Pops convenience store on St. Andrews Road in Lexington County, according to an arrest warrant, where he had been employed at the time. He was identified by employee records and was recorded on video at the location of the theft, as well as the cashing location.

Gillespie was booked at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. The 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the case, according to a news release.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.