Postal Worker Accused of Stealing Winning Lottery Ticket From Mail

MIAMI, FL — A Florida postal worker has been arrested after authorities say she stole a winning lottery ticket from the mail and redeemed it for cash.

Lekaysha Lockhart was arrested July 23 following a joint investigation by the Florida Lottery Division of Security and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. She is charged with grand theft, dealing in stolen property, filing a false claim for payment, mail theft and two counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Authorities said Lockhart was working as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service when she allegedly stole a winning Pick 4 lottery ticket that had been mailed by a Florida Lottery player.

The investigation began after the player reported that the winning ticket never reached its intended destination after being mailed through the U.S. Postal Service. Investigators later determined the ticket had been redeemed in Miami on June 19.

Following her arrest, authorities said Lockhart admitted to stealing and redeeming the ticket.

The ticket was reportedly worth $2,600.

"Our players deserve confidence that every Lottery prize is protected through strong security measures and diligent oversight," Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald D. Dixon said in a statement. He praised the Florida Lottery Division of Security, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the Broward County Sheriff's Office for their roles in the investigation.