Georgia Pest Control Worker Accused of Stealing South Carolina Lottery Tickets
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — A Georgia pest control worker is accused of stealing South Carolina lottery tickets from a convenience store where he was servicing and attempting to cash them at other locations, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Arrest and Charges
Authorities identified the suspect as 39-year-old Harold Dean Pace III of Harlem, Georgia. SLED agents arrested Pace on two counts of intent to defraud with counterfeit game tickets, following an investigation into an incident that reportedly occurred in 2023.
Investigators said Pace was performing pest control services at the 88 Mart located at 13509 Highway 28 South in Clarks Hill when he allegedly stole a batch of South Carolina Education Lottery tickets. He then attempted to cash the tickets at two North Augusta locations — Circle K #3172 at 1014 Edgefield Road and Sprint Food Store #742 at 1186 Edgefield Road, according to warrants.
Investigation Details
SLED opened the investigation after the stores involved flagged the suspicious transactions. Lottery security officials were contacted, and video surveillance helped identify Pace as the suspect.
Pace was later booked into the Aiken County Detention Center, where he remains while awaiting further court proceedings. His case will be prosecuted by the Second Circuit Solicitor’s Office, authorities confirmed.
Statewide Emphasis on Lottery Fraud
The South Carolina Education Lottery routinely warns retailers and the public about lottery-related thefts and scams. Under state law, fraudulently redeeming lottery tickets or tampering with game materials carries felony charges and potential prison time.
Officials said this case highlights the cooperation between state investigators and local law enforcement to protect the integrity of the lottery system.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel encourages readers to share their thoughts on lottery security and report suspicious activities at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
