Probe: Ex-Ohio lottery director called employee 'hot' and a 'gift from God' in texts

The former director of the Ohio Lottery Commission repeatedly declared his love to an employee in late-night text messages in the weeks before his retirement, including one that called the employee a "gift from God."

The messages, obtained by the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, emerged as part of an investigation into Pat McDonald, who retired from his post as director in April.

The probe found McDonald sent texts to two lottery employees that expressed "inappropriate fondness and innuendo." McDonald also commented on two employees' appearances, gave an unwanted hug and touched their arms, shoulders and forehead without consent, according to a report released Friday.

More: Ohio Lottery director retired after harassment allegations, new report says

"I drive you crazy but you will never have a boss nor dude that cares and loves you so much," McDonald told the employee shortly before 2 a.m. one Sunday in January. "Appreciate the moment."

The texts provided by the commission show conversations this year between McDonald and one employee.

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

McDonald did not respond to a request for comment.

An employee disclosed an unwanted hug and touching by McDonald to human resources in late February. The employee followed up with more information in April, which prompted a meeting between McDonald and Gov. Mike DeWine's office. McDonald denied the allegations but said he was considering retirement because of a serious medical condition.

He submitted his resignation the next day.

What did McDonald say to lottery employee?

Before that meeting, McDonald frequently texted an employee in the middle of the night to declare his affection. He called the person his best friend and one time said, "I still have a major crush on you." He also sent songs to the employee, including a Fleetwood Mac's "Everywhere" that features the lyric, "I want to be with you everywhere."

A lottery spokesperson declined to say whether the employee who received the texts is the same person who reported McDonald.

Many messages included heart, eggplant and winking face emojis. One night, McDonald called the employee "amazing and fun, intellectual and hot."

The texts also suggested McDonald was willing to blur personal and professional lines. He asked the employee what kind of minimum pay increase they'd consider, saying he wanted to "work with you on anything you want." A few weeks later, McDonald said he hoped to get the employee a new job title with a $90,000 salary.

The employee never responded to McDonald's late-night messages and only occasionally texted him outside of that. McDonald apologized to the employee for something on Feb. 23, and the employee thanked him for doing so.

"Hey buddy − do you just think I should retire?" McDonald texted the employee on March 4. "You don't like me anymore − told (redacted) the situation − I value your mature opinion − is it just my time to go?"

Tensions between the two appeared to escalate after that. The employee confronted McDonald for taking photos of them without their knowledge, indicating they might resign from the lottery. McDonald accused the employee of being aggressive and said the employee took the situation too seriously.

The date of that exchange was unclear. Later, McDonald said he thought it might be time to retire.

"If you want me out of the office, it's up to you," he told the employee. "I won't say anything − I will always want to be friends with you. You are stuck with me, buddy!"

Haley BeMiller is a reporter 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.

Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio lottery director sent texts to employee before retirement