Lottery theft suspect may have fled U.S.

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Authorities in Texas said they have released a wanted poster of the suspected thief of a $1 million lottery ticket, but they fear he may have fled the country.

The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force said Pankaj Joshi, 25, allegedly stole a $1 million winning Mega Millions lottery ticket from a customer at the Grand Prairie store where he was working May 31, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Friday.

Authorities said Joshi gave the winner, Willis Willis, only $2 for the ticket and cashed it in for $750,000 after taxes. Investigators seized $365,000 from Joshi's bank account and Patty Robertson, a Travis County assistant district attorney, said she is requesting a hearing to have the money turned over to Willis.

Investigators said they suspect Joshi may have fled to his native Nepal.