Woman finally claims prize that clerk tried to swipe

Thursday, Jan. 6, 2000 | 9:48 a.m.

Eileen Blymiller on Wednesday claimed a $20,000 check at Hoosier Lottery headquarters, more than three weeks after she mistakenly handed the ticket over to a clerk thinking it was just a $5 winner.

"The lottery came through for me," she said. "I was very pleased."

Her payout comes about a week after the arrest of the clerk, Kimberly Moore, who state police believe knew the ticket was worth $20,000 when she gave Blymiller $5 and then pocketed the ticket.

Moore was arrested Dec. 30 on one charge of felony theft. She is out of jail on bond.

And the Hoosier Lottery is out $20,000 unless it can recoup the money through the court system, spokesman Andrew Reed said.

Blymiller bought two tickets Dec. 13 at Bigfoot on State Road 7, and one of the tickets turned out to be worth $20,000. Police said Blymiller returned the next day to cash a separate ticket that was worth $5.

She accidentally gave the bigger winner to Moore, 35, of Columbus. Police said Moore knowingly gave Blymiller only the $5 she was expecting.

Blymiller told police she realized the mistake 30 minutes later, and rushed back to the store. Police said Moore told Blymiller the ticket had been thrown away, but Blymiller called the lottery and police.

Bartholomew County Sheriff Kenny Whipker said police believe Moore hired a man to cash the check so she could avoid completing paperwork that might link her to the theft.

No charges will be filed against the man because Whipker said there is no evidence to show he was aware of the scam.

Police have not recovered the cash paid to Moore, and Whipker said the money has likely already been spent.

Blymiller said she is thrilled to finally have the case resolved, and her winnings in hand. She has not yet decided what to do with the cash.

"I still have to think about it," she said.

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