Jackpots To Jail

Florida Florida Lottery A Daphne couple tries their luck at the lotto but ends up behind bars on felony charges.

by Diana Lucio

Published: Thu, February 07, 2008 - 10:42 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, February 07, 2008 - 11:10 pm CST

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office says 33-year-old Raymond DeSpain and his wife 35-year-old Michelle DeSpain's lottery winning days are over.

Authorities say the couple stole over $200,000 dollars in Florida Lottery Scratch Off tickets from the Local Yokel convenience store in Milton, Florida, where Mrs. DeSpain had been a clerk up until last month, for almost 8 years. According to the Sheriff's Office Mrs. DeSpain would steal the tickets from work, then she and her husband would redeem them at three different Circle K stores in Escambia County.
"This person unfortunately abused her position and abused the trust that the owners of the business had in her,"Said Sgt. Scott Haines with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office.
Employees we spoke with at the Local Yokel declined to comment, but customers had a lot to say about the theft."They're ripping the state off is what was going on, ripping the schools off. Because they weren't paying for them, undoubtedly,"Said Diane Dunaway who stops by the convenience store often.
Sgt. Haines says the couples facing several felonies including,"Grand theft over $100,000 dollars for her, conspiracy to commit grand theft for her husband, their both charged with scheming to defraud as well as numerous other felony charges,"Said Haines.
A deputy at the Santa Rosa County Jail told News Five that the couple made bond and were released from jail around 8:30 tonight (Thursday).
Authorities say they expect to reveal more stolen monies as they continue this investigation.

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