Police say same scratch-off ticket triggered multiple payouts

South Carolina investigators say an unusual lottery scheme allowed the same scratch-off ticket from the South Carolina Lottery to be paid out multiple times before it was finally validated. Now, two men have been charged in connection with the alleged fraud, including a convenience store employee accused of helping carry out the plan.

The incident

According to an arrest warrant from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Malachi Jamal Quesenberry, 24, was an employee of a Circle K in Summerville. He allegedly conspired to defraud his employer on January 11, 2026.

On that date, Trae Malik Yates, 31, reportedly came into the store and passed one instant scratch-off ticket multiple times. Quesenberry allegedly paid out the winning ticket multiple times, but never validated the ticket while he was working at the Circle K.

Yates then allegedly went to another location and turned in the winning ticket, which was finally validated. Because of these actions, the Circle K lost out on money.

An investigation took place

The South Carolina Education Lottery requested an investigation by SLED. That investigation determined that the men worked together in the lottery scheme.

On June 2, Yates was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit lottery fraud. Now, Quesenberry has been arrested and also charged with conspiracy to commit lottery fraud.

Both men have been booked into the Dorchester County Detention Center.

Powerball hot streak

While Quesenberry and Yates are on a losing streak after trying to pull one over on the state lottery, other lottery players in South Carolina have been having some luck playing Powerball.

For the June 15 drawing, one lucky ticket purchased at Lee’s Convenience Store Plus LLC, located at 2615 Ebenezer Rd. in Rock Hill, won $50,000 on the Double Play game.

The lucky player added the Double Play option for $1 more to the Powerball ticket. They matched four of the five black balls drawn for the Double Play game along with the Powerball number, to win $50,000.

The numbers for that Double Play game were 22, 23, 28, 32, and 68, and the Powerball number was 21.

In addition to that big win, we have three other winning Powerball tickets in South Carolina that are set to expire if the lucky ticketholder doesn’t claim them soon. Those tickets are:

• December 22 – Powerball drawing – Ticket purchased at Circle K Stores #8401, located at 1839 Celanese Rd. in Rock Hill. They matched four of the five white ball numbers along with the Powerball number to win $50,000. The winning numbers for that drawing were 3, 18, 36, 41, and 54, and the Powerball number was 7. Have until Fridaym, June 19, at 4 p.m. to claim.
• December 22 – Double Play drawing – Ticket purchased at Harris Teeter #454 Fuel Kiosk, located at 1985 Folly Rd. in Charleston. They matched four of the five black ball numbers along with the Powerball number to win $50,000 in the Double Play add-on option. The winning numbers for that drawing were 14, 32, 47, 48, and 69, and the Powerball number was 17. Have until Fridaym, June 19, at 4 p.m. to claim.

Enjoy playing the South Carolina Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.