Clerk accused of stealing Hudson woman's winning lottery ticket

Sunday, August 13, 2006 posted 12:49 AM EDT

LENIOR - Tammy Church thought her first-ever scratch-off ticket was a winner. The store clerk told her otherwise.

Now, he’s charged with a felony for stealing Church’s winning lottery ticket. Josh Wesley Price, 32, of Lenoir, is charged with felony obtaining property by false pretense. Police are looking into other possible scams involving Price and other winning tickets.

Church bought the scratch-off ticket at Wilco Hess on Wilkesboro Boulevard in Lenoir on Aug. 1, said Lenoir Police Lt. Brent Phelps. She thought she had a winner and later returned to the store to claim her $77 prize. She said she asked the clerk if her ticket was a winner. Police say Price said the ticket was not a winner. He kept the ticket, Phelps said.

After talking to family and friends, Church returned to the store and asked for the ticket back. Price reportedly told her he tore up the ticket. Church then asked to look at the security video. The Lenoir Police Department was called to the scene to investigate.

“I automatically think people are honest,” Church said. “There needs to be a proper way to turn in a ticket regardless if you win or not. The way I did it wasn’t right. That made me an easy victim.”

Price fled the scene when police started questioning him and tried to elude police during a low-speed pursuit, Phelps said. Phelps said Price pulled over a short distance away from the store. Officers found a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle and charged him with drug violations. Price also was charged with driving while license revoked. He was given a $5,000 secured bond, Phelps said, and has been released from custody.

Price has been employed with Wilco Hess for about two months. The store diverted calls to their corporate office.

Church has not received her $77 prize. She said the incident has not stopped her from buying lottery tickets.

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