News writer
A FedEx driver allegedly removed a package containing South Carolina Education Lottery scratch-off tickets from the back of his delivery truck. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) said they have arrested 31-year-old Averious Jethomas Ajee Griffin after the incident.
Most recent lottery fraud arrest
On December 10, 2025, Griffin was reportedly working at a FedEx facility on Evergreen Road when he took the lottery ticket package from the delivery truck, according to an arrest warrant. Then Griffin allegedly placed the package into his personal car.
Griffin has been arrested and charged with attempting to influence a game by tampering. He was booked into the Anderson County Detention Center on February 27, officials said.
Authorities said the investigation into the theft was requested by the South Carolina Education Lottery.
Uptick in lottery fraud arrests
This arrest is among several recent lottery fraud cases in South Carolina over the past month. SLED continues to investigate allegations of theft, counterfeiting, and attempted redemption of stolen tickets.
Mount Pleasant man faces fraud charges
On February 27, 20-year-old Kymron Royale Payne of Mount Pleasant was charged after he allegedly stole a South Carolina Lottery Pick 3 ticket from a customer. He then redeemed the ticket for himself.
Investigators were able to obtain surveillance footage, which reportedly showed Payne substituting the new ticket with an old ticket. He later scanned the ticket at the lottery terminal.
Dorchester County man charged with fraud
In early February, SLED charged 30-year-old Darryl Antwain Scott Sr. of Dorchester County with intent to defraud and counterfeit game tickets.
According to authorities, Scott allegedly took a lottery ticket from a damaged shipping package while working on a sort line. He then allegedly tried to redeem the ticket at a convenience store in Summerville.
Upstate men accused of redeeming stolen tickets
Another lottery fraud case in February claimed two Upstate men, 34-year-old Zachary David Blackwell of Greenville and 56-year-old Lamont Clarke of Spartanburg, who tried to redeem stolen South Carolina Education Lottery scratch-offs at local lottery retailers. The men were charged with lottery fraud.
Counterfeiting charges in Spartanburg County
Finally, in mid-February, 57-year-old John Wesley Lipscomb Jr., of Spartanburg County, was arrested for allegedly stealing tickets from one retailer and trying to redeem them at another. Officials said he was booked on two counts, including intent to defraud and counterfeit game tickets.
A step-up in oversight
Officials said lottery fraud can come in many forms. This can be lottery ticket theft or tampering with tickets, counterfeiting, or trying to redeem stolen tickets.
The South Carolina Education Lottery works with SLED, which investigates these cases across the entire state whenever suspicions come up.
These investigations often start with checking for surveillance footage, talking with retailers for tips, or watching for suspicious activity at any lottery terminals.
If an arrest is made, the charges can range from intent to defraud and tampering (misdemeanors) to felony charges. The charges all depend on what the suspect did and the value of the stolen or counterfeit property.
Enjoy playing the South Carolina Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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