The State - News from Dec. 11, 1986

The last of 16 “lottery sting” defendants has pleaded no contest to submitting a false ticket. Juan Garza, 19, of Stockton was placed on probation for one year and fined $170, the Sacramento County district attorney’s office said. Prosecutors said Garza mailed an altered $100 winning lottery ticket, making him eligible for the “Big Spin,” to the Lottery Commission last Jan. 6. He and the others who submitted similar claims were arrested March 26 by state officials who had invited them to Sacramento to participate in a “Big Spin.” Twelve other defendants who pleaded either guilty or no contest to similar charges received the same penalty. Three other defendants who were convicted in jury trials received sentences ranging from one to three years of probation and fines from $170 to $300. They were also ordered to pay $50 to the state restitution fund.