By Associated Press
Louisville, KY – Three store clerks have pleaded not guilty to charges that they tried to cash what appeared to be winning lottery tickets after telling customers the tickets were worthless.
An attorney for 45-year-old Bhaggy Patel and her 25-year-old son, Hardik Patel, of Lexington, entered their pleas Tuesday, The Courier-Journal reported. Both were released on their own recognizance, and the next court date was set for Sept. 9. The Patels and their lawyer declined to comment.
Later Tuesday, 28-year-old Vaishaliben Patel of Louisville, also pleaded not guilty.
The fourth clerk indicted in the sting set up to catch dishonest retailers didn't show up for her arraignment.
They are accused of keeping what appeared to be $8,000 scratch-off lottery tickets turned in by customers, who were actually undercover lottery security officers.