Lottery Scratch Off Ticket Crime Spree Ends With Arrest

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Deltona, FL - A lottery scratch-off crime spree results in the arrest of a 26-year-old Deltona woman and a hefty bond set.

Volusia County Sheriff's deputies say Gabrielle McCarthy stole more than four dozen tickets during a four day time period.

Surveillance video shows McCarthy at a Deltona Winn-Dixie store, reaching behind the customer service counter, stealing tickets, some of which cost $30 apiece.

McCarthy was located at her mother's home in the 600 block of Alexander in Deltona. She was arrested and faces five counts of burglary to a business, three counts of petty theft and two counts of grand theft.

McCarthy denied any involvement in the burglaries to the stores or the thefts of Lottery tickets. She also said she did not remember going to Winn-Dixie on Mother's Day, but said she went to Publix to buy flowers. Video surveillance showed her purchasing flowers from Winn-Dixie.

Her boyfriend, Joseph Cartagena, was allegedly driving McCarthy to the stores. At this time, he is not charged.

McCarthy remains in the Volusia County Jail with a total bond set of $92,500.