DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — As the fraud trial for a former lottery worker accused of fixing the Hot Lotto game in an attempt to win a $14 million jackpot is delayed, lottery officials say they’ve heightened security as a result of the case.
Eddie Tipton of Norwalk faces two counts of fraud. His defense attorney sought a delay Monday just before jury selection began saying new prosecution witnesses and evidence requires more time to prepare.
Judge Jeffrey Farrell set a new trial date for July 13.
Tipton was director of information security for the Des Moines area-based Multi-State Lottery Association. Prosecutors allege he altered computers that randomly draw numbers for the game, a claim he denies.
Iowa lottery officials say they’ve increased security and the association has replaced equipment used for Hot Lotto drawings.
