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Postal Carrier Accused of Stealing $2,600 Winning Lottery Ticket
2 Aug
Summary
- A Florida woman's $2,600 winning ticket vanished in the mail.
- The postal carrier allegedly stole and redeemed the ticket.
- The accused carrier faces multiple felony charges including mail theft.
A winning $2,600 Florida Lottery ticket sent via mail to a relative never reached its destination. Four days after being mailed on June 15, 2026, the ticket was claimed by the postal carrier accused of taking it. Lekaysha Lockhart, 28, was identified as the carrier and reportedly admitted to removing the winning ticket from the mail she handled. She then redeemed the $2,600 prize herself on June 19, 2026, at a Florida Lottery office in Miami Lakes.
Authorities initiated a joint investigation with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the Broward Sheriff's Office. Lockhart was arrested on July 23, 2026, in Broward County. She faces charges including grand theft, dealing in stolen property, filing a false claim, unlawful use of a communication device, and mail theft. Due to the alleged offenses spanning multiple judicial circuits, the cases will be prosecuted separately. The Postal Service confirmed Lockhart was hired in 2025 and remained employed following her arrest.
The Florida Lottery advises players to sign winning tickets immediately and consider using trackable mailing methods for valuable items. They emphasize that the risk of mailing a winning ticket remains with the player. Reports of suspected mail theft involving postal employees can be directed to the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
