Massachusetts police arrested a store clerk Tuesday for allegedly stealing a winning $3 million Mega Millions lottery ticket from a customer who left it behind.
WBZ-TV reported that a customer purchased a quick-pick ticket from Lakeville Liquors & Market and added a multiplier to increase his winnings. Surveillance footage from January appears to show the customer accidentally leaving the ticket in the lottery tray near Carly Nunes, 23, the checkout clerk.
Less than an hour later, another customer purchased lottery tickets and spotted the two extra tickets which belonged to the first patron. The second customer gave those tickets to Nunes — who commented that they must belong to the man who came in earlier, according to prosecutors.
Two days after the numbers were drawn, Nunes allegedly went to Massachusetts State Lottery headquarters to collect the winnings. WBZ-TV reported that suspicions arose because the winning ticket was burned and torn.
Nunes’ co-worker, Joseph Reddem, allegedly drove Nunes to the lottery headquarters. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Reddem and Nunes arguing in the lobby about money. Plymouth County prosecutors said Reddem demanded $200,000 from Nunes, according to WCVB.
Though a lottery employee submitted a claim for Nunes, officials decided to open an investigation due to the condition of the ticket and the argument in the lobby. Nunes did not receive the $3 million payout while the investigation transpired.
According to prosecutors, Nunes eventually admitted that she did not purchase the winning ticket. However, she allegedly claimed she accidentally obtained the customer’s winning ticket.
Nunes was arrested after she failed to show up to a June 12 arraignment. On Tuesday, she pleaded not guilty to larceny from a building, attempted larceny, presentation of a false claim, and witness intimidation. Reddem was charged with extortion.
Nunes’ bail was set at $10,000. WBZ-TV reported that the customer was scheduled to collect the $3 million payout on Tuesday.
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[Featured image: Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office]
