Published on: May 18, 2026, 06:12h.
Updated on: May 18, 2026, 06:12h.
- Gary Grief faces reindictment over $95M jackpot saga
- Global syndicate acquired nearly all Lotto Texas number combinations
- Authorities allege lottery couriers facilitated extensive ticket-printing scheme
A grand jury in Travis County, Texas, has reindicted Gary Grief, the former executive director of the Texas Lottery, on felony misuse of office charges tied to a contentious $95 million jackpot payout.
As reported by The Houston Chronicle, Grief was initially indicted in mid-April, but those charges were dismissed a day later for reasons that remain unclear. The new indictment, disclosed last week, mirrors the initial one.
Grief, who oversaw the lottery commission for 15 years, stepped down in early 2024. His retirement came shortly before the Chronicle revealed that a syndicate had purchased nearly 99% of the number combinations for the April 22, 2023 draw. By investing in around 25 million tickets, this group ensured they would at least share in the $95 million jackpot, additionally taking home millions from secondary prizes.
Massive Ticket Purchasing Operation
Critics allege that Grief circumvented standard legislative protocols to authorize online ticket sales through certified lottery courier entities, such as Lottery.com. While aimed at increasing ticket revenue, prosecutors assert this move also laid the groundwork for the syndicate’s extensive purchasing maneuvers.
Over just three days, several approved lottery couriers in Texas activated numerous terminals and utilized pre-generated QR codes via smartphones and tablets to print tickets at nearly 100 per second.
Teams operated day and night in makeshift printing locations, including a fishing store and a former dental office, meticulously cataloging and packaging millions of tickets as they emerged from the machines.
According to the indictment, lottery officials aided this operation by providing resources without scrutiny. Three of the courier companies supplied with printing machinery and paper had seen negligible ticket sales in the months leading up to the scandal.
‘No Wrongdoing’ Alleged
The Texas Lottery Commission is also mentioned in the indictment, which resulted in the commission being disbanded following the scandal that initiated an inquiry by the State Attorney General’s Office and the Texas Rangers.
Sam Bassett, Grief’s lawyer, told the Chronicle that the allegations are politically motivated and maintained that his client has committed no offense.
“Gary assisted in the Texas Ranger investigation, yet neither he nor his legal team had any influence over the Grand Jury. The Rangers were guided by politicians seeking a scapegoat,” Bassett stated.
“Once all evidence is presented in court, the public will understand that Gary’s guidance at the Lottery Commission generated substantial funds for Texas schools and veterans, and there was no crime involved,” he concluded.