Ohio Lottery director retired after harassment allegations, new report says

The former director of the Ohio Lottery Commission was accused of inappropriately touching and texting employees before his resignation in April, according to a report released Friday.

An investigation by a Cleveland law firm found that Pat McDonald sent text messages to two lottery employees that expressed "inappropriate fondness and innuendo." McDonald also made unwanted comments about employees' appearances, hugged them and touched their arms, shoulders and forehead without consent.

The findings were first reported by Cleveland.com.

McDonald ran Ohio's $4 billion lottery operation from February 2019 to April 2023 when he abruptly resigned, citing medical reasons. He previously served on the Ohio Lottery Commission, including spending eight years as its chairman.

McDonald did not respond to a request for comment.

The Ohio Lottery oversees ticket sales, video lottery terminals, the state's seven racinos, and sports betting done at the kiosks in bars and other outlets. Mobile and casino sports betting is regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

A spokesman for Gov. Mike DeWine directed the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau to the report and declined to comment further.

This story will be updated.

Haley BeMiller and Anna Staver are reporters for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.