Multi-state lottery scandal ends a senior official’s career

US media following the progress of the multi-million dollar lottery fraud across several states (see previous reports) have discovered that a top Multi-State Lottery Association official’s head has already rolled as a result of the activities of former MSLA security head Eddie Tipton.

The reports note that in October this year Charles Strutt, executive director of the association since its 1987 founding, was stripped of his duties by the group’s board, which includes directors of lotteries in 37 states and U.S. territories. The move came days after prosecutors said their investigation of jackpot-fixing by the association’s former security director, Eddie Tipton, had expanded nationwide.

Bret Toyne was then appointed interim executive director, but the moves were generally kept quiet.

The Associated Press news agency lodged an open record request and discovered an October 15 email from board chairman Jeff Anderson to board members in which he advised them that Strutt had been placed on indefinite administrative leave and that his long-time deputy, Bret Toyne, was appointed interim executive director.

“He accepted the decision of the MUSL Board and was helpful in sharing his thoughts on what was necessary for the future,” Anderson wrote of Strutt.

Both Strutt and Anderson have so far not been forthcoming, citing current administrative procedures and a review.

Investigators allege Tipton used his access to the association’s random number generators to know winning combinations in advance, then he and his associates played those numbers and shared the prizes. The investigation has spread to five states, with more likely to have been defrauded.

Tipton, who denies the allegations, has already been convicted in one prosecution, and is scheduled to face a second trial next month. The association fired the 11-year security employee after his January arrest, replaced machines he worked on and strengthened its security measures.

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