MURFREESBORO (US): Meer Patel, a store clerk here, has been accused of stealing a $1 million winning lottery ticket from its rightful owner and attempting to cash in on the prize. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office announced that Patel, 23, has been arrested and charged with theft over $250,000.
Investigators revealed that the rightful owner, a father from Antioch who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased two winning lottery tickets on July 13 at a Shell gas station. The father handed both tickets to Patel, who was working as the clerk. Patel provided cash for the lesser-valued ticket but allegedly discarded the $1 million winning ticket into the trash.
Patel then attempted to claim the $1 million prize at the Tennessee Lottery headquarters, arousing the suspicion of employees. Surveillance footage from the store showed Patel disposing of the trash, retrieving the lottery ticket, and placing it in his pocket.
“Patel is then seen later in the video celebrating in the store after scratching off the front of the ticket and learning it was a $1 million winner,” authorities said in a news release. Using the surveillance footage, investigators identified the father who owned the tickets. Initially skeptical, the father was eventually informed about the alleged crime.
Patel remains in custody as the investigation continues.
