USPS mail carrier stole, claimed $2,600 winning ticket, Florida Lottery says

A joint investigation by the Florida Lottery Division of Security and the United States Postal Office has resulted in the arrest of a USPS employee who is accused of stealing a winning Florida Lottery ticket from the mail and claiming the prize for herself. According to a new release from the Florida Lottery, the investigation began when a player reported that a winning Pick 4 ticket she mailed through the USPS never arrived. The ticket was valued at $2,600 and was purchased at a 7-Eleven in Tampa. The ticket had been redeemed on June 19 by Lakaysha Lockhart, who was identified as a USPS mail carrier, the release says. Lockhart was arrested following an investigation where she reportedly admitted to investigators that she stole the ticket and redeemed it at the Florida Lottery's Miami Office. Lockhart faces charges of grand theft, dealing in stolen property, filing a false claim for payment, unlawful use of two-way communication device and mail theft. The Florida Lottery tells players to sign the back of their winning tickets and keep them in a safe place until they're ready to claim their prize, and to also carefully consider how they transport a winning ticket. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.