A judge has sentenced a former Arkansas Lottery security official to more than three years in prison for stealing and cashing almost half a million dollars' worth of scratch-off tickets.
Remmele Mazyck apologized in federal court in Little Rock on Thursday before the judge announced the sentence.
Mazyck pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and money laundering charges in July. He was also ordered to pay more than $482,000 in restitution.
Lottery director Bishop Woosley fired Mazyck in November 2012 after learning about the ticket thefts.
The lottery says Mazyck cashed more than 22,700 tickets worth about $478,000 between 2009 and 2012. Mazyck's lawyer has disputed the amount.
Officials say Mazyck used his own security clearance to code tickets from the lottery's warehouse as promotional giveaways.