Gas Station Employee Accused Of Stealing Illinois Lotto Tickets

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — Police say a gas station employee swiped scratch-off lottery tickets and redeemed the winnings for herself. Ashley Lee, 26, of Chicago, is charged with one felony count of theft. She was arrested after a monthlong investigation, police said.

Palos Heights police started an investigation last month after receiving a report of numerous lottery tickets going unaccounted for at the Shell Gas Station, 12121 S. Ridgeland Ave. A review of security video showed an employee later identified as Lee taking Illinois Lottery scratch-off tickets without paying and redeeming the winners, police said. The overall loss was reportedly in excess of $7,000.

Lee was scheduled for a bond hearing Monday in the Bridgeview Courthouse.