Charleston, South Carolina, September 7, 2025
News Summary
In Charleston, South Carolina, three individuals have been arrested in separate lottery fraud cases involving counterfeit tickets. Investigations by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division revealed that Franklin Grant, Alexandria Talley, and Luke Nickles attempted to redeem stolen or counterfeit lottery tickets for cash prizes. These incidents occurred just as Powerball nears a record payout, raising public concern over lottery integrity. The suspects have been charged and are currently held in local detention centers as the respective Solicitor’s Offices prosecute their cases.
Charleston, South Carolina—Three individuals have been arrested in connection with separate lottery fraud schemes involving counterfeit tickets, as announced by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The individuals charged are Franklin Alfonso Grant, Jr., 28, of Charleston County, Alexandria Renee Talley, 32, of Dorchester County, and Luke Michael Nickles, 20, of Spartanburg County.
Franklin Grant faces charges of intent to defraud and counterfeit game tickets. It is alleged that he fraudulently redeemed cash prizes totaling $790 by using images of lottery tickets from a victim who originally purchased them. Details reveal that Grant attempted to pass two lottery tickets at the Dorchester Mini Mart on Dorchester Road in North Charleston. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Grant’s actions as he tried to cash in these tickets.
Alexandria Talley is also facing charges of intent to defraud, counterfeit game tickets, and attempted influence of a game by coercion. Talley is accused of stealing three scratch-off tickets from Carter’s Fast Stop, where she was employed. Similar to Grant, she attempted to redeem these stolen tickets for cash prizes.
Additionally, Luke Nickles has been charged with intent to defraud for using counterfeit game tickets. He allegedly cashed in multiple tickets while working at Spinx #218 in Boiling Springs, having unlawfully stolen the tickets. These incidents occurred between August 9 and August 11.
All three suspects have been taken into custody at their respective detention centers—Grant at the Al Cannon Detention Center, Talley at the Dorchester County Detention Center, and Nickles at the Spartanburg County Detention Center. The cases are currently being prosecuted by the corresponding Solicitor’s Offices in their jurisdictions.
These arrests occur at a time when lottery activities are heightened, particularly with the Powerball approaching a record payout. This situation has drawn significant public interest, underscoring the importance of maintaining the integrity of such lottery games.
The fraudulent activities posed by individuals like Grant, Talley, and Nickles highlight ongoing concerns about lottery scams, which not only defraud innocent victims but also undermine public trust in state-run lottery systems.
Background on Lottery Fraud
Lottery fraud can take many forms, including the use of counterfeit tickets and tactics aimed at influencing lottery outcomes through improper means. Such frauds often attract law enforcement attention, especially when they escalate in frequency or scale. With large jackpots on the line, criminals may be tempted to exploit unsuspecting players and retailers alike.
Key Facts: Arrests in Lottery Fraud Cases
| Individual | Charges | Location of Arrest | Allegations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Alfonso Grant, Jr. | Intent to defraud, Counterfeit game tickets | Al Cannon Detention Center | Redeemed $790 in fraudulent tickets |
| Alexandria Renee Talley | Intent to defraud, Counterfeit game tickets, Attempted influence of a game by coercion | Dorchester County Detention Center | Stole and attempted to redeem scratch-off tickets |
| Luke Michael Nickles | Intent to defraud | Spartanburg County Detention Center | Cashed stolen lottery tickets |
FAQs
What charges have been filed against Franklin Grant?
Franklin Grant has been charged with intent to defraud and counterfeiting game tickets.
Where was Alexandria Talley arrested?
Alexandria Talley was booked into the Dorchester County Detention Center.
What were the alleged actions of Luke Nickles?
Luke Nickles is accused of unlawfully cashing in several lottery tickets that he stole while working.
Why is the timing of these arrests significant?
The arrests occurred as the Powerball neared a historic payout record, drawing attention to lottery fraud risks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Three Arrested in South Carolina Lottery Fraud Cases
Two Charged in North Charleston Gambling Scam
Additional Resources
- WLTX: South Carolina Lottery Fraud Arrests
- Live 5 News: SLED Charges Lowcountry Residents with Lottery Fraud
- ABC News 4: Lottery Fraud Charges Facing Residents
- Count on 2: Man Cashed Victims’ Winning Lottery Tickets
- Live 5 News: Dorchester County Woman Charged with Lottery Fraud
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Google Search: Lottery Fraud
- Google Scholar: Lottery Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
- Google News: Lottery Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
