People are furious after finding out a store owner allegedly conned a person with a mental disability out of a winning lottery ticket.
The Massachusetts State Lottery says RD's Deli and Market in Melrose lost its license to sell tickets following an investigation into a complaint that the store did not pay out a prize accordingly to a disabled customer.
"I would go in - if the guy is in there I would kick his [expletive]," said Michelle Lucey. "If somebody's gonna do that, you know, what are they going to do to me?"
According to the lottery's executive director, a customer presented the store owner with a $10,000 winning ticket and was told it was a $1,000 prize. The store owner allegedly gave the customer $950 in cash, which is a violation due to the fact that any prize over $600 must be cashed at the lottery office.
The customer, who is believed to be mentally disabled, notified a family member of the transaction and that family member contacted the lottery office. An investigation led to Rd's Deli and Market and the owner admitted to taking the ticket.
NECN tried to speak to the owner, but the doors were locked Saturday. Across the street, people inside Simplicity Hair Studio had plenty to say.
"I just think it's really cruel. it's mean and unacceptable," said Michelle McCormick.
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"That's wrong. Absolutely, positively wrong," said Cynthia Hickey. "I'm appalled. I can't believe that anyone would do something like that."
The original ticket has since been returned to the customer, who, in turn, cashed the $10,000 prize. The Massachusetts State Lottery says it is permanently revoking the store's license.
Melrose Police and Massachusetts State Police are assisting in the investigation.
