Insider Buzz: Judge Orders $5 M Seized In Lottery Scam Go To Charities
A Cincinnati judge has ordered that nearly $5 million seized in a statewide gambling scam be sent to the charities it was supposed to reach in the first place.
The scheme was estimated to have raised more than $57 million through the sale of pull-tab instant-lottery tickets in hundreds of bars and restaurants.
Hamilton County Judge Fred Nelson wrote in his decision that the gambling ring told people their donations would go to children with birth defects or disabilities.
The judge has ordered Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro to develop a plan by January 18 to distribute the money.
Petro says he had not decided which charities would get funds.
Twenty people have been convicted in the case.