Johnsonville, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Germeane Roshelle Burgess, a Florence County resident, has been arrested for intent to defraud after cashing in $171 worth of stolen lottery tickets. The tickets were allegedly stolen earlier that day and were redeemed at a local store. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is handling the case, highlighting ongoing concerns about lottery fraud in the area.
Johnsonville, South Carolina – Germeane Roshelle Burgess, a 19-year-old woman from Florence County, has been charged with intent to defraud and counterfeit game tickets following an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The arrest took place on Tuesday after authorities were alerted by the South Carolina Education Lottery about the fraudulent activity.
On September 1, Burgess allegedly redeemed a total of 10 scratch-off lottery tickets at the Five Points Superette, located on Lake City Highway in Johnsonville. These tickets had been reported stolen earlier the same day from Circle K on Georgetown Highway in Johnsonville. The theft was recorded by video surveillance cameras, providing crucial evidence against her.
According to the report, Burgess managed to cash in the stolen tickets for cash prizes amounting to $171. Following her arrest, she is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center. The prosecution for this case will be handled by the 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
This incident raises ongoing concerns about lottery fraud, which has periodically surfaced and poses challenges for both law enforcement and gaming organizations. The South Carolina Education Lottery continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent and address such fraudulent activities, ensuring a fair gaming environment for all participants.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division regularly investigates claims of lottery fraud, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in retail operations where lottery tickets are sold. By leveraging technology such as video surveillance and cooperation between various agencies, they aim to fortify efforts against this type of crime, which can result in significant financial loss for both the state and honest players.
Lottery fraud not only undermines the integrity of gaming operations but also violates consumer trust. The South Carolina Education Lottery utilizes multiple strategies to mitigate fraudulent activities, including secure ticket tracking and establishing clear communication channels for reporting suspicious behaviors. Educating retailers on safety measures and fraud prevention becomes essential to uphold the legitimacy of lottery gaming within the state.
As this case proceeds, it serves as a reminder of the potential repercussions that individuals may face when engaging in fraudulent activities. The impact of such crimes extends beyond the immediate financial implications, as they can lead to criminal charges and significant legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Germeane Roshelle Burgess?
Germeane Roshelle Burgess is a 19-year-old woman from Florence County charged with fraud and counterfeiting involving lottery tickets.
What charges have been filed against her?
Burgess has been charged with intent to defraud and counterfeit game tickets by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Where did the alleged fraud take place?
The fraud occurred at the Five Points Superette in Johnsonville, South Carolina, where Burgess allegedly redeemed stolen tickets.
How much money did Burgess reportedly gain from the fraud?
She redeemed the stolen tickets for cash prizes totaling $171.
What happens next in this case?
The case against Burgess will be prosecuted by the 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office as investigations continue.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Germeane Roshelle Burgess, 19 |
| Charges | Intent to defraud, counterfeit game tickets |
| Location of Crime | Five Points Superette, Johnsonville |
| Cash Prize Redeemed | $171 |
| Investigation Body | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Prosecuting Office | 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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South Carolina Education Lottery Announces Winning Numbers
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Former FedEx Employee Charged with Lottery Ticket Fraud
Former FedEx Employee Charged with Theft of Lottery Tickets
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Lottery Fraud
- WMBF News
- Google Search: lottery fraud South Carolina
- WMBF News Main Page
- Google Scholar: lottery fraud prevention
- ABC News Main Page
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery Fraud
- CNN News Main Page
- Google News: 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.
