Area transient faces decades in prison for lottery thefts

Hunter
11/03/23

An area transient faces up to a half century in jail after allegedly stealing and cashing in lottery tickets in September.

According to the arrest report, 42-year-old Michael Jasso was at the CVS Pharmacy in the Old Capitol mall the afternoon of September 21st when he allegedly reached across the counterand stole four $10 scratch tickets.  He then fled the store, and the Iowa Lottery said Jasso reportedly redeemed the winners, totaling $120, 8 minutes later at a convenience store.   Surveillance video reportedly shows Jasso wearing the same clothing at both locations.

Two days later, police say Jasso redeemed other stolen lottery tickets at the Coralville Kum & Go on the Strip

Warrants were issued for his arrest, and Jasso was taken into custody Thursday afternoon.  He faces ten counts of Theft or Forgery of Lottery Tickets, each a Class D felony. If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to up to fifty years in prison.