A weeks-long investigation into a lottery scheme in Wichita Falls resulted in the arrest of two Wichita County women.
Brandy Hays and Madelyn Santiago have both been charged with organized criminal activity.
According to the arrest affidavit, Chisholm Corner Sunoco on Central Freeway reported a lottery theft scheme on Monday, February 10.
The store’s district manager claimed that it was carried out by the store’s manager, Hays, and two employees, Santiago and Felix Medina.
According to Wichita Falls police, Hays allegedly used her position, business model training, and knowledge to manipulate sales reports and create the appearance of reconciled sales reports, as well as lottery ticket sales and payouts, to conceal the theft.
Police said the company released an audit report detailing their findings, which revealed losses totaling $239,671.
According to statements from Santiago and Medina, the two took tickets from store bundles and illegally checked for winners under the supervision of Hays, who allegedly demanded a percentage of any winning ticket.
Police said the Texas Lottery Commission confirmed Santiago and Hays’ large winning claims, revealing that Hays made eight winning claims totaling $14,000 between November 27, 2024, and January 7, using the mobite claims phone application.
Investigators said the TLC provided Santiago’s winning payment records, which showed that between September 30, 2024, and February 3, Santiago filed 19 claims totaling $18,000.
The TLC linked the claimed lottery prizes to the bulk bundles at Chisholm Corner Sunoco.
Hays gave a statement to police on March 3 regarding the claims of a lottery theft scheme, telling them that the winnings were deposited into her bank account and that she later transferred half of the winnings to Santiago.
Investigators said Hays also turned over other winning lottery tickets that she had yet to claim.
Hays was arrested on March 17 and released on March 19 with a $150,000 bond. Santiago, who had been listed on Wichita Falls Area Crime Stoppers’ Manhunt Monday, was arrested on March 18 and remains in jail on a $150,000 bond.
Medina, the other suspect, has yet to face charges.