RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — Four individuals have been charged with lottery fraud following a series of South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) compliance checks at Midlands gas stations. The charges stem from deceptive actions involving the passing of fraudulently obtained lottery tickets.
The individuals charged are:
Barbara M. Kreis, 30, who passed a fraudulent $1,000 South Carolina Education Lottery ticket at the SCEL claims center in Columbia on September 6. The ticket was fraudulently acquired at Young’s station in Bishopville and was identified by an undercover SLED agent during a compliance check.
Terry Xavier Myers, 30, who passed a $1,000 fraudulent ticket at the SCEL claims center in Columbia on June 26. Myers had acquired the ticket through fraud at the Gaz Bah station in Columbia, where he was employed at the time. The entire theft and attempted redemption were captured on video.
Ishrat Ahmad Syed, 57, who obtained a $1,000 fraudulent South Carolina Lottery ticket at Easy Spot in Columbia. Syed deceived a SLED officer during a retailer compliance check.
Ayeisha M. Watts, 50, who passed a $1,000 fraudulent ticket at the SCEL claims center in Columbia on July 1. Watts acquired the ticket through fraud on June 28 at Exxon #5 in St. Matthews, where she was employed at the time.
The fraudulent activities were uncovered during routine retailer compliance checks, aimed at ensuring the integrity of the lottery system. All four suspects have been charged with lottery fraud, and the investigation is ongoing.
SLED’s commitment to combatting fraud is highlighted by these recent actions, ensuring that individuals attempting to defraud the system face legal consequences.
