WICHITA FALLS, Texas – A third suspect has been arrested in connection with a complex fraud scheme involving the Texas Lottery. Authorities took Felix Edward Medina, 24, into custody on March 24, 2025, and charged him with engaging in organized criminal activity. He remains in the Wichita County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Medina’s arrest follows the recent apprehensions of Brandy Hays and Madelyn Santiago, who face the same charges. Hays was arrested on March 17 and released on a $150,000 bond two days later, while Santiago was arrested March 18 and remains in jail on a $150,000 bond.
Lottery Fraud Scheme at Wichita Falls Gas Station
The investigation began after a lottery theft report was filed by Chisholm Corner Sunoco on February 10, 2025. According to the store’s district manager, Hays—who was the store manager—worked with Santiago and Medina to manipulate sales reports and conceal stolen lottery ticket winnings.
Authorities say Hays used her knowledge of the store’s business model to disguise discrepancies in sales and payouts, leading to over $239,671 in losses for the business.
According to statements from Santiago and Medina, they took tickets from store bundles and illegally checked for winners under Hays’ direction. Hays allegedly required a percentage of any winning ticket.
Texas Lottery Commission Confirms Suspicious Winnings
The Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) confirmed multiple large winning claims by Hays and Santiago.
Hays made eight winning claims between Nov. 27, 2024, and Jan. 7, 2025, totaling $14,000, using the mobile claims app.
Santiago made 19 winning claims between Sept. 30, 2024, and Feb. 3, 2025, totaling $18,000.
Authorities continue to investigate the case as all three suspects face organized crime and fraud-related charges.
