News writer
It was a wild weekend for lottery-related crime on opposite ends of the country. In the South, an Alabama woman is accused of turning family ties into felony charges after allegedly dipping into her grandparents' finances for a shopping spree at a lottery retailer.
Meanwhile, more than 2,500 miles away in Oregon, a Portland deli owner says a late-night intruder pulled off a brazen safe heist that left employees rattled and investigators on high alert. Together, the two incidents paint a picture of just how far some people are willing to go when lottery money is involved, and how quickly a game of chance can turn into a crime of choice.
A stolen debit card
A woman from Alabama allegedly stole her grandparents' debit card and then made hundreds of dollars in purchases from a Florida Lottery retailer just across the state line in Davisville. She is now facing felony charges.
According to the Atmore Police Department, the victim reported that the Regions debit card had been stolen.
Authorities with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office were able to obtain video surveillance, which showed Whitney Savannah McGhee, 25, using the debit card on July 3 for a purchase of $241.88 at State Line Lotto on Highway 97. McGhee then returned to the same store on July 6 and made another purchase for $242.98.
Police talked with the victims, who said they had not given any permission to McGhee to use the debit card.
McGhee was arrested and charged with fraudulent use of a debit card and grand theft from an individual over 65 years old, which are both felonies. Authorities said she was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Lottery safe gone missing in Oregon
Meanwhile, in Oregon, a burglar stole a lottery safe from Mad Greek Deli in Northwest Portland. The burglar allegedly hid inside the restaurant until it closed, officials said.
According to the owner, the suspect was waiting in the broom closet until the restaurant closed. Two employees were cleaning up after hours, but the burglar then emerged from the closet, looking around to see if the coast was clear.
Surveillance footage showed the suspect locating the safe but having some issues trying to remove it. The suspect returned moments later, this time successfully picking up the safe and fleeing the restaurant.
The owner said the safe contained about $30,000. That money is money the owner owes to the Oregon Lottery.
Police said they were able to locate the safe in Beaverton on Friday, August 15, 2025. However, it was empty when they found it.
To add even more of a twist to the story, this happens to be the second time in six months that Mad Greek Deli has had lottery money stolen. On February 2, 2025, another safe was taken from the restaurant. The owner believes these thefts are part of a wider pattern targeting businesses that sell lottery tickets.
Enjoy playing the Florida Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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