COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The loss of a state data storage device is proving to be not only a costly mistake but also a troubling one for Ohio taxpayers.

At first, officials announced that it was mostly state employees whose names and Social Security numbers were on the device.

Then on Wednesday, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland announced the data also includes information of 225,000 taxpayers.

This list includes people who had not yet cashed their tax refund checks from 2005, 2006, and 2007.

“This information is name, Social Security number and amount of check, without further identifying data,” Strickland said.

He added, mailing addresses and banking information was not included.

Strickland also said the data device also included names and social security numbers of 602 Ohio lottery winners who had not cashed their prize checks yet.

Another 2,488 people have also had their personal information stolen. Their file includes a list of people who have received but have not yet cashed checks for unclaimed funds.

Miami Valley state lawmakers said they are keeping a close eye on the situation.

Rep. Kevin DeWine, R-Fairborn said “We hope the Strickland administration gets to the bottom of this. It seems like they do not have the situation under control yet.”

Sen. Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, said he is getting calls and inquiries from taxpayers as well as state employees about the data theft. Austria said, “They have every right to be concerned.”

Austria said he is looking forward to the state inspector general’s investigative report on the data theft.

The data was lost when a computer storage device was stolen from the car of a state intern. The intern had been told to take the device home for safekeeping.

So far, the state has set aside $730,000 to pay for an analysis of the lost data and for identity theft coverage for state employees.

Strickland was hopeful the growing list of names and social security numbers on the stolen device would not require the expenditure of more state money.

Taxpayers, state employees and others are being referred to a special state Web site to learn what they can do about the loss of personal information.

Click here to see the state Web site: www.ohio.gov

The state set up special hot lines for employees and their dependents who are seeking information on potential identity theft problems. Taxpayers and state employees can also call two hot line telephone numbers for more information. The numbers are 800-267-4474 and 877-742-5622.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com