DeLand, Florida — A Walmart cashier in Florida has been arrested after authorities say she stole a winning lottery receipt worth approximately $2,700 from an elderly customer, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say the incident happened at a Walmart location in DeLand when an elderly man visited the store to claim winnings from a Florida Lottery ticket he had purchased.
According to police, the cashier assisted the customer by explaining how to redeem his prize but allegedly failed to return the validation receipt needed to collect the winnings.
Officials say the man left the store without realizing the receipt was missing.
Hours later, the customer returned to the store after noticing the error and alerted management.
Store employees reviewed surveillance footage, which allegedly showed the cashier folding the winning receipt and placing it into her uniform vest before continuing her shift.
Authorities say the employee left work with the receipt still in her possession.
When deputies later questioned her, she reportedly claimed she had been distracted by another customer and placed the receipt in her pocket with the intention of handing it to a manager.
Investigators, however, say the receipt was later recovered from her vehicle.
The cashier was arrested and charged with felony grand theft. She has since been terminated from her position at Walmart, officials confirmed.
Lottery officials and retail experts often remind winners to immediately secure and sign the back of their tickets to avoid disputes or loss.
In this case, authorities say the elderly customer was ultimately unable to immediately claim his winnings due to the missing receipt.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Video Credit: WKMG News 6
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