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.
