Former Texas Lottery Executive Director Gary Grief did not appear in court Friday for a scheduled pretrial hearing in his criminal case after the matter was reset before proceedings began.
Before the court was called to order, those present were informed that the case had been reset to Aug. 14.
Grief has been charged with first-degree felony abuse of official capacity in connection with the 2023 $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot drawing.
The prosecution stems from a Texas Rangers investigation into the drawing and the Texas Lottery Commission’s handling of the jackpot. Prosecutors allege Grief misused government property by allowing the use of lottery terminals in a manner that benefited the bulk-purchasing operation.
The case has been marked by unusual procedural developments. A Travis County grand jury first indicted Grief in April, but that indictment was dismissed days later. A second grand jury subsequently returned another indictment charging Grief with the same offense.
Texas Scorecard reached out to Grief’s attorney Sam Bassett, who said the reset was not unusual.
“It is routine for a case to be reset several times so the lawyers can review the evidence, discovery and begin discussions about the case,” he said. “You can anticipate many more resets in the near future.”
Texas Scorecard has also contacted the Travis County District Attorney’s Office seeking clarification.
