UPDATE |
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Copies of search warrants obtained by 6 News are providing new details about the state police investigation into alleged thefts from the Pennsylvania Lottery Commission in Blair and Centre Counties.
Investigators say, on Wednesday, troopers searched a residence along West Blade Drive, in PA Furnace, Ferguson Township, where they reportedly seized "large amounts" of U.S. currency and a cell phone in connection to the alleged theft investigation.
Authorities noted that the investigation began in early January after the Pennsylvania Lottery Commission reviewed its lottery coupon redemption report, which reportedly showed that more coupons had been redeemed in the state than what the PA Lottery had sent out to customers.
Police say, during the course of the investigation, it was determined that the majority of the retailers where these coupons were redeemed where in Blair and Centre counties.
Troopers say the PA Lottery began contacting major retailers in those counties for access to their surveillance video.
Upon further investigation, police say they were able to identify two suspects believed to be involved in the lottery ticket scam.
Investigators noted that the two individuals, a man and a juvenile, were identified by the surveillance tapes at multiple Sheetz locations, as well as by the use of their own rewards cards at multiple retailers where the alleged scams occurred.
Police say video surveillance also showed the two individuals using their phones to redeem the lottery ticket coupons.
Troopers noted in the search warrants that police are conducting a forensic search of the juvenile's phone to determine how the two individuals reportedly obtained the fraudulent coupons.
Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing and no formal charges have been filed, according to online court records.
Editor's note: 6 News will provide the names of the two individuals if/when they are charged.
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ORIGINAL |
State police say they’re investigating a possible theft from the Pennsylvania Lottery Commission.
They say the investigation encompasses various areas throughout Centre and Blair counties.
Thursday morning investigators say multiple search warrants were executed at a home in Pennsylvania Furnace.
State police did not disclose any further details.
They say the investigation is ongoing.
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