A U.S. Postal Service letter carrier has been arrested after allegedly stealing a winning Florida Lottery ticket from the mail and redeeming the $2,600 prize herself.
Florida Lottery Special Agents arrested Lekaysha Lockhart on July 23 following a joint investigation conducted with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG). Investigators allege Lockhart intercepted a winning Pick 4 ticket that had been mailed by its rightful owner before claiming the prize at the Florida Lottery’s Miami District Office on June 19.
Investigation began after winning ticket disappeared
The investigation was launched after the lottery player reported that the winning ticket never reached its intended destination through the mail.
A Florida Lottery Inspector traced the redeemed ticket to Lockhart, leading to a joint investigation involving Florida Lottery Special Agents and USPS OIG investigators.
According to the Florida Lottery, the investigation ultimately resulted in Lockhart’s arrest.
Authorities also stated that, after being taken into custody, Lockhart admitted to stealing the lottery ticket and redeeming the prize. The identity of the ticket’s rightful owner has not been released.
Lottery officials emphasize security measures
Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald D. Dixon said protecting players and maintaining confidence in the lottery system remain top priorities.
He praised the Florida Lottery’s Division of Security for its investigative work and thanked the USPS Office of Inspector General and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the investigation and arrest.
Six criminal charges filed
Lockhart now faces six criminal charges, including:
Grand theft.
Dealing in stolen property.
Filing a false claim for payment.
Two counts involving the unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Mail theft.
According to the Florida Lottery, the alleged offenses occurred across multiple judicial circuits, meaning the cases will be prosecuted separately.
Lottery security continues statewide oversight
The Florida Lottery’s Division of Security is responsible for investigating complaints involving lottery tickets, prize claims and other matters affecting the integrity of lottery games. Its Special Agents regularly work alongside local, state and federal law enforcement agencies on criminal investigations.
Since its launch in 1988, the Florida Lottery reports having transferred more than $51 billion to support education across the state while awarding over $110 billion in prize money. The lottery currently operates through a network of more than 13,600 retail locations throughout Florida.
Officials said the arrest reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect players and maintain public confidence in the integrity of the lottery system.
The case also highlights the importance of secure handling and accountability when valuable documents or items move through the postal system. Investigators allege that a routine mail delivery became a fraud case after a winning lottery ticket was intercepted before reaching its intended destination.
