Ohio pair charged in lottery scam using stolen credit cards

A Midwest crime spree that featured a high-stakes twist. Now, two Ohioans are facing charges after they allegedly used stolen credit cards to fund a spree of lottery ticket and luxury alcohol purchases across multiple states, including the Upper Peninsula in Michigan.

What began as a routine call in Houghton, Michigan, led to a multi-state investigation unraveling a larger operation that left police — and retailers — on high alert.

The initial report

On November 7, 2024, officers received a report regarding two suspicious people purchasing lottery tickets and high-end alcohol from a business in Houghton, according to the Houghton Police Department.

Police were able to get a description of the vehicle the two suspects were driving. That vehicle was eventually stopped in Iron River by a Michigan State Police trooper from the Iron Mountain post.

Arrests were made

After the vehicle was pulled over in Iron River, two suspects were arrested — 28-year-old Shiym Edwards and 25-year-old Destiny Johnson, both from Akron, Ohio.

Edwards was charged with two felonies — illegal sale/use of a financial transaction device and habitual offender, fourth notice. Johnson was also charged with two felonies — illegal sale/use of a financial transaction device and habitual offender, second notice, police said.

Officials also determined Edwards was wanted on similar charges out of Midland, Michigan, which involved stolen credit cards being used to purchase lottery tickets. Johnson was also wanted on similar charges out of Wright County, Minnesota.

Both Edwards and Johnson were arraigned on November 13, and are currently being held in the Houghton County Jail. Edwards is being held on a $50,000 bond and Johnson is being held on a $25,000 bond. They are both scheduled to be back in court on December 2, for a preliminary exam hearing.

Investigation discovers larger-scale operation

During the investigation, authorities determined a larger-scale operation was taking place out of Akron, Ohio, which involved several people using stolen credit cards to buy lottery tickets in several different states.

Back in March 2024, the Houghton Police Department received a similar complaint about stolen credit cards.

Then on Saturday, November 23, officials in Baraga County reported an incident involving two suspicious men wearing M95 masks purchasing a large amount of lottery tickets.

In addition, the Ishpeming, Marquette, and Munising areas have all reported similar incidents.

In a statement, the Houghton Police Department said, “Anyone with information about similar incidents is asked to contact their local law enforcement authority. If anyone can obtain information on the identity of the individuals or are able to get a license plate number from the suspect vehicle it would be extremely helpful. We are asking for businesses that sell lottery tickets to ask for identification when people use credit cards to make their purchase, especially in large amounts. Also, be aware of people that attempt to enter credit card information manually into the stores’ point of sale when making these types of purchases.”

Officials said the case remains under investigation.

Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.