Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 17, 1990 TAG: 9006170277
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short
Police had about 130 officers waiting at the Arthur Ashe Center on Friday night. They had mailed invitations to all 2,277 people in the city who had outstanding felony warrants.
The "Mailtex Corporation" invitations promised each recipient 100 lottery game cards, Lt. Richard L. Acampora said.
However, instead of receiving lottery tickets, 47 felony suspects who showed up were arrested and arraigned on the spot. Eighteen had posted bond by Saturday.
Although only 2 percent of those invited took the bait, Acampora said the sting was a success.
"Anytime you get 50 people off the street or anytime you serve 65 warrants, it's very successful," he said.
by CNB