Lotto Clerks Busted for Food Stamp Fraud

21 stores owners were arrested by FDLE

The owner of a Miami gas station was among the 21 store owners and clerks who were arrested for trading cash, Lottery tickets and other items for food stamp cards, authorities reported Thursday.

Operation Cash Exchange revealed that clerks at convenience stores and gas stations used food stamp cards to make a little extra scratch for themselves.

Stores caught in the scam netted an estimated $3.5 million in food stamp fraud over the past year. More than $10,000 in cash exchanges occurred during the operation.

Included in the statewide bust was the New Horizon Store located at 1633 NW 3rd Ave. in Miami. In total, six people were arrested from Miami. The other five were employees of the Partners Meat & Fish Market, Inc.

The store owners have had their Lottery licenses revoked and face felony fraud charges.

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