Lottery employee sentenced to 10 years in prison
A former security director for the Iowa-based Multi-State Lottery Association has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for rigging the outcome of a drawing.
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During the trial, the court heard how Eddie Tipton had bought a lottery ticket and manipulated computers to choose certain numbers in the draw.
But, as his job barred him from playing the lottery, he was unable to claim his prize.
As we reported in July Tipton then handed the winning ticket to a friend, New York lawyer Crawford Shaw, who attempted to claim the prize.
However, Shaw refused to give the name of the original buyer of the ticket; and, as Iowa law requires jackpot winners to be identified, the money was never paid.
Although the evidence surrounding the scandal was circumstantial it was found compelling enough to result in a conviction.
Tipton's attorney requested probation but the judge denied the light punishment and instead handed down the maximum penalty allowed.
An appeal is planned and Tipton is currently free on bond.
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