Iowa Lottery CEO responds to yet-to-be-disclosed probe
By WILLIAM PETROSKI bpetroski@dmreg.com
April 17, 2009 12:49 PM

Iowa Lottery Chief Executive Terry Rich says he is concerned a probe of the state-run lottery has left the public "with the unfortunate impression of government quarreling and finger-pointing." Rich made public on Thursday his written response to a yearlong investigation by State Ombudsman William Angrick, who has clashed at times with lottery officials.

Angrick's report hasn't been officially released, but the ombudsman said last week it is expected to outline serious challenges faced by the Iowa Lottery in preventing retailer fraud and 60 recommendations for improvement. Rich's response made it clear he disputes Angrick's findings. He said the facts will show no fraud was committed or suspected by any state employee involved in the lottery's regulation. He also said no large-scale fraud was found or reported.

The ombudsman's probe began in 2008 after questions arose about an Iowa store clerk who won the lottery six times in 12 months, collecting $264,000. Angrick said Thursday he was not ready to release the report because he was still awaiting responses from people who have been asked to comment.