Oconeean arrested on charges of intent to defraud lottery

A traffic stop led to the arrest of a 33-year old Oconeean, Heath Allen Bates, on charges of intent to defraud the South Carolina Education Lottery.  Investigators say they learned of attempts on Wednesday to cash stolen lottery tickets at a business on Highway 11 south.  Lottery security was notified and later investigators initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on Critter Road.  Officers say a search of the vehicle produced lottery tickets which were stolen in a burglary earlier Wednesday at Tunnel Town Express, Mountain Rest.  The Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation.