A Charleston County man is facing multiple charges after investigators say he carried out a string of lottery fraud schemes involving stolen scratch-off tickets across the Lowcountry.
Charleston County Man Charged with Lottery Fraud
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has charged Terrance Patton Jr., 43, with four counts of intent to defraud and counterfeit game tickets. Officials say he used his position at local convenience stores to steal and cash in scratch-off lottery tickets for cash prizes.
How the Scheme Played Out
According to affidavits and SLED spokesperson Renée Wunderlich, surveillance video captured several of the thefts:
May 26 – Circle K, Johns Island: Patton allegedly stole six scratch-off tickets, later redeeming them for $100 in cash prizes.
May 29 – Publix, Mount Pleasant: He was caught on video allegedly stealing one ticket.
Same day – Circle K, Johns Island: Patton allegedly gave 13 stolen tickets to a third party to redeem. That person claimed $280 in winnings, which they then handed back to Patton.
May 29 – Publix, Charleston: Patton allegedly stole another ticket and redeemed stolen tickets for $500 in prizes.
Officials also noted that Patton was employed at a Spinx convenience store during the time the fraud occurred.
Arrest and Charges
Patton was arrested and booked into the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County. He faces four felony counts, each tied to his attempts to defraud the South Carolina Education Lottery.
What Is Lottery Fraud?
In South Carolina, lottery fraud includes stealing or counterfeiting tickets, redeeming stolen tickets, or using another person to cash out winnings illegally. Convictions can lead to heavy fines and prison time, especially when multiple incidents and higher amounts of money are involved.
What may have seemed like a quick way to make money has now left Terrance Patton Jr. facing serious legal trouble. With surveillance video, third-party involvement, and multiple thefts across different stores, the case highlights how closely monitored the lottery system is. SLED’s investigation shows that even small-dollar fraud cases are prosecuted seriously in South Carolina.
