$100 thousand Oconee lottery fraud

Two people pleaded guilty today in a case of lottery fraud that involved now former employees of a Seneca store.  At the recommendation of the prosecution, the judge gave the defendants 10 years in prison, but suspended the prison sentence to probation, along with an order that they are to re-pay the victim in the amount of the difference between an insurance settlement and the value of the lottery tickets stolen.  Stephanie Long Oprandi and Justin Ross Oprandi pleaded guilty to defrauding the state lottery and breach of trust with fraudulent intent.  The victim in the case was Lowery Oil Company doing business as Loco Mart #2.  Assistant Solicitor Sylvia Harrison said the value of the lottery tickets stolen was $100 thousand.  Insurance reimbursed the victim for most of the loss.  Judge Scott Sprouse told the defendants he hopes they appreciate how fortunate they are that both the prosecution and the victim agreed to a sentence that spares the two prison time.  Sprouse said, “This is a serious charge.”  Factoring into the decision of no prison time was both defendants are gainfully employed and can begin to pay back the restitution.