On September 21, the Tupelo Police Department was notified of an embezzlement case at a Texaco gas station on Barnes Crossing Road.
Management told police that their employee, 40-year-old Jessica Parker, was suspected of embezzling funds as well as using her position in the gas station to identify winning lottery tickets, fradulently acquire them, and then cash them in.
Police said that Parker fraudulently acquired and cashed a $500,000 ticket on or around September 15th.
On October 19, the Tupelo Police Department served a search warrant on Parker’s home on Barnes Crossing Road. An arrest warrant was also served on Parker during that search.
On October 21, Parker’s bond was set at $50,000 for Felony Embezzlement.
This investigation is ongoing. TPD is working with the various State Agencies in relation to the lottery ticket fraud including the Office of the Mississippi Attorney General.
Two vehicles (2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Kia Telluride) have been seized as evidence. In addition, funds have been frozen in accounts under Parkers control. Additional charges are possible as the evidence is reviewed.
