Henry County, GA (May 16, 2024) – The GBI’s Office of Special Investigations and the Commercial Gambling Unit have arrested and charged former Georgia Lottery Corporation (GLC) Compliance Inspector Michael Kessler, age 62, of Rockdale County, GA, with three counts of Bribery.

The Georgia Lottery Corporation requested the GBI to investigate as soon as they received allegations that Kessler was accepting bribes from store owners while performing his duties as a GLC Compliance Inspector. On Monday, May 13, 2024, GBI Agents executed a search warrant of Kessler’s home in Rockdale County.

Kessler was booked into the Rockdale County Jail and then taken to the Henry County Jail.

This investigation is active and ongoing. The Georgia Lottery has been working with the GBI to provide any support needed for the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Office of Special Investigations and Commercial Gambling Unit at 404-270-8491. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to Henry County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Contact

Director, Office of Public & Governmental Affairs Nelly Miles