September 5, 2025

Three Arrested in Lottery Fraud Amid Powerball Surge

News Summary

Authorities in Dorchester County have arrested three individuals for lottery fraud as the Powerball jackpot reaches record levels. The suspects face charges related to counterfeit lottery tickets and fraudulent redemption attempts. Investigations by the South Carolina Education Lottery and SLED revealed suspicious activities prompting these arrests, highlighting an ongoing effort to combat fraud and maintain the integrity of lottery operations in South Carolina.

Three Individuals Arrested in Dorchester County for Lottery Fraud Amid Record Powerball Jackpot

Dorchester County, South Carolina — Authorities have taken three people into custody over the past month in connection with different lottery fraud cases, as the state’s Powerball jackpot reaches unprecedented levels. The arrests, announced by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), follow investigations initiated by the South Carolina Education Lottery, which detected suspicious activities involving counterfeit lottery tickets and attempted thefts.

Details of the Arrests and Alleged Crimes

Luke Michael Nickles

Arrest Date: September 3
Criminal Charges: Intent to defraud through the use of counterfeit game tickets
Background of Incident: An investigation started in early August, between August 9 and 11, after suspicious lottery transactions were reported
Alleged Actions: Cashed multiple South Carolina Education Lottery tickets at a Spinx convenience store in Boiling Springs, SC
Additional Evidence: Surveillance cameras captured Nickles stealing lottery tickets while employed at the store
Current Status: Detained at Spartanburg County Detention Center, with prosecution handled by the Seventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office

Franklin Alfonso Grant Jr.

Arrest Date: August 22
Criminal Charges: Intent to defraud using counterfeit game tickets
Alleged Incident: Attempted to redeem two fake lottery tickets at Dorchester Mini Mart in North Charleston on June 26
Details of the Fraud: The tickets used were images of actual winning tickets owned by another individual, used without permission
Prizes Claimed: Cash prizes totaling approximately $790
Current Status: Held at Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County; prosecution assigned to the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office

Alexandria Renee Talley

Arrest Date: August 25
Criminal Charges: Intent to defraud and attempting to influence a game through coercion
Alleged Offense: Stealing instant scratch-off tickets at Carter’s Fast Stop #3 in Ridgeville between July 14 and July 17
Evidence: Caught on surveillance video while trying to redeem stolen tickets
Current Status: Detained at Dorchester County Detention Center, with legal proceedings managed by the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office

Context and Investigation Background

The recent arrests stem from a coordinated effort by the South Carolina Education Lottery and SLED, prompted by ongoing concerns about lottery fraud, especially as the Powerball jackpot hits historic highs. The investigation aims to safeguard the integrity of lottery games and protect players from fraudulent activities that undermine trust in the system.

Each suspect faced charges related to the use of counterfeit tickets and fraudulent redemption attempts, indicating an organized effort to illegally claim lottery winnings. Law enforcement has emphasized that such activities hinder fair play and cause financial losses to the lottery system and honest players.

Implications of the Case

Authorities continue to investigate these cases, and legal proceedings are underway in respective circuit courts. The arrests highlight the commitment of law enforcement and the lottery to combat fraud and ensure the credibility and security of lottery games within South Carolina.

As the Powerball jackpot continues to grow, officials remind players to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. The case underscores the importance of secure ticket handling and verifying lottery transactions to prevent fraudsters from exploiting the system.

Law enforcement agencies have stated they will maintain monitoring efforts and take swift action against those attempting to manipulate lottery processes. The community is encouraged to cooperate and remain aware of potential scams related to lottery winnings.

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Additional Resources

Author: HERE Greenwood

The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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