FAIRMONT – Darren Allen Dollen, 22, of Fairmont, is facing a felony charge of state lottery fraud and a misdemeanor charge of theft.

The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

According to court documents:

On Dec. 23, Fairmont police responded to Fareway Food Store in Fairmont for a reported theft. The manager indicated there was an employee, Darren Allen Dollen, who was stealing scratch-off lottery tickets.

The manager showed the officer some video which showed a male who was identified as Dollen stealing scratch-off lottery tickets. There was video of Dollen stealing lottery tickets on two separate occasions.

Fareway Foods contacted the Minnesota State Lottery Office to report the theft and they were advised that one of the stolen lottery tickets was a $100 winner that had been cashed at the Freedom Gas Station in Fairmont on Dec. 20.

On Dec. 24, an officer spoke with an employee from Freedom Gas Station. She showed the officer the video from Dec. 20, in which the officer was able to observe Dollen at a register in the Freedom Gas Station, turning in what appeared to be a scratch-off lottery ticket.

The officer then went to Fareway Foods where he met with the manager who witnessed the conversation with Dollen. Dollen was asked to sign a termination paper from Fareway Foods and also given a no trespass form.

The officer was present and asked Dollen if he knew what this was about and Dollen said yes and the officer confirmed that it was about the lottery tickets. The officer asked Dollen if he was willing to come to the Martin County Law Enforcement Center and give a statement about what happened.

Dollen agreed to speak with officers and during the interview, he admitted to stealing scratch-off lottery tickets from Fareway Foods in Fairmont on Dec. 20 and Dec. 22. Dollen stated that he took three $30 tickets each time. Dollen stated he won $100 and $40 on two different tickets on Saturday, Dec. 20. Dollen stated that he turned those tickets in at Freedom Gas Station in Fairmont that same day.

Dollen stated that this situation was his fault and he did not blame Fareway Foods or anyone other than himself.

The officer concluded the interview and Dollen left the Martin County Law Enforcement Center.