Telugu-origin store manager arrested in Miami for $3 lakh lottery ticket fraud
HYDERABAD: A 34-year-old convenience store manager of Telugu origin was arrested in Miami for allegedly stealing more than $300,000 (over ₹3 lakh) worth of lottery scratch-off tickets from his workplace, according to police and media reports.
Police identified the accused as Rakesh Tanguturi, manager of Bargain Stop Market II in the Little Haiti area. Officers arrested him on January 27. He faces two felony charges — organised scheme to defraud and first-degree grand theft.
Owner flagged unusual withdrawals
The store owner contacted police on January 23 after noticing thousands of dollars withdrawn from the shop’s bank account for Florida Lottery transactions. The owner began reviewing the transactions a week after spotting the unusual activity.
Investigators traced the missing funds to Tanguturi. Police said he initially denied any wrongdoing. Later, he admitted in a text message that he took scratch-off ticket books, cashed them, and used the proceeds for personal expenses.
Claimed money was for father’s medical care
Police estimate that Tanguturi took more than $300,000 worth of tickets. Authorities said he repaid a substantial portion, leaving the store with a net loss of about $60,000.
According to the report, Tanguturi told police that he had started repaying the store and requested a payment plan to clear the remaining amount.
He also told investigators that he needed the money for his father’s medical treatment in India. His father has since passed away.
A Florida Lottery investigator informed police that someone cashed the stolen ticket books in bulk at a single retailer. The investigator said such transactions are unusual and indicate possible fraud.
After the store hired a new manager, officers went to the outlet and arrested Tanguturi. Authorities lodged him at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $30,000 bond.
Police also confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on him.
