Johnsonville, South Carolina, September 26, 2025
News Summary
A 19-year-old woman from Florence County, Germeane Roshelle Burgess, has been arrested for stealing lottery tickets and trying to cash them in. The incident occurred when Burgess allegedly took tickets from Circle K and attempted to redeem them for $171 at a local store. Surveillance footage aided in the investigation, leading to her arrest by state agents. Burgess faces charges of intent to defraud with counterfeit game tickets as the case highlights ongoing issues of lottery fraud in South Carolina.
Johnsonville, South Carolina – A 19-year-old woman from Florence County has been arrested for stealing lottery tickets and attempting to cash them in. Germeane Roshelle Burgess was taken into custody by state agents on charges of intent to defraud with counterfeit game tickets. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced the arrest on Thursday.
The incident occurred on September 1 when Burgess allegedly stole lottery tickets from the Circle K convenience store on North Georgetown Highway in Johnsonville. Authorities reported that she attempted to redeem ten scratch-off lottery tickets at the Five Points Superette located on Lake City Highway in the same town. Burgess was seeking to claim approximately $171 from the stolen tickets at the time of her arrest.
Surveillance video footage captured both the theft of the lottery tickets and Burgess’s attempt to cash them in, providing crucial evidence for the investigation. Following her arrest, Burgess was booked into the Florence County Detention Center, where she faces serious legal repercussions.
The 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office is prosecuting the case against Burgess in response to the theft and fraudulent activity associated with the lottery tickets. This incident highlights ongoing issues of lottery ticket fraud and theft, prompting the South Carolina Education Lottery to request SLED’s involvement in the investigation.
Lottery fraud is a significant concern in South Carolina, as similar cases can undermine public trust and affect the state’s education funding generated from lottery sales. Authorities urge vigilance among retailers and the public to report suspected fraudulent activities.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of proper security measures and the integrity of the lottery system. As the legal proceedings unfold, further updates regarding Burgess’s case are expected.
Background Context
Lotteries are a popular source of revenue for many states, including South Carolina, where funds generated from lottery sales support educational initiatives. However, theft and fraud associated with lottery tickets pose threats to this funding source. The vigilance of law enforcement and public awareness are essential in addressing such illegal activities to sustain the integrity of the state’s lottery system.
FAQ Section
What charges does Germeane Roshelle Burgess face?
She has been charged with intent to defraud with counterfeit game tickets.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on September 1.
How much money was Burgess trying to claim from the stolen lottery tickets?
Burgess was attempting to claim approximately $171 from the stolen tickets.
Where was Burgess arrested?
She was arrested in Johnsonville, South Carolina.
Which division is investigating the case?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is handling the investigation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: SC Woman Arrested for Lottery Ticket Theft
- WMBF News: Woman Accused of Lottery Fraud
- WPDE: SLED Charges Woman with Lottery Fraud
- SCNOW: Lottery Ticket Theft Investigation
- WMBF News: Johnsonville Man Arrested for Arson
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Google Search: lottery fraud South Carolina
- Google Scholar: lottery fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: lottery
- Google News: South Carolina lottery fraud
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence 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 Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. 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.
