Worker Accused Of $20K In Lottery Ticket Theft from High Springs Business

HIGH SPRINGS – A High Springs woman has been charged with grand theft after authorities say she stole more than $20,000 worth of lottery tickets from the convenience store where she worked.

According to the High Springs Police Department, officers responded on Feb. 24, 2026, to High Springs Pure, located at 23179 W. U.S. Highway 27, after the store’s general manager reported suspected theft involving lottery ticket inventory.

The general manager told officers he had been working with the Florida Lottery to determine the total amount missing. While the review was ongoing, he said an initial look at several recent incidents already showed losses exceeding $20,000.

Investigators determined the alleged thefts occurred over approximately a two-month period and involved an employee, identified as 51-year-old Penny Marie Cason.

According to the report, the general manager told officers that Cason had admitted to the thefts.

After being advised of her Miranda rights, Casowcn reportedly acknowledged taking books of lottery tickets from the store but told investigators she was unsure how many she had taken.

Authorities charged Cason with grand theft exceeding $20,000, a felony under Florida law.

Court records indicate Cason has no prior criminal history. Following her arrest, Judge Meshon Rawls ordered that she be released on her own recognizance.

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