Probation Violator May Keep Lottery Winnings

Timothy Elliott, a convicted bank robber, was granted probation.  One of the conditions of his probation was to refrain from gambling and purchasing lottery tickets.

Timothy ignored the prohibition and played the Massachusetts lottery.  He was lucky — he won $1 million.  After receiving the first of his 20 annual $50,000 checks, the truth came out.

On Friday, January 18, 2008, Barnstable, Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Richard Connon ruled that Timothy could nonetheless retain the winnings.  Timothy’s probation was not revoked.  The only “penalty” he will pay for his disregard of the condition of his probation is that the monthly $65 fee to be on probation which was originally waived because of Timothy’s poor financial status was reinstated.

At least, I think, he should first have to repay the money he stole along with all of the costs the government expended to house him in jail, prosecute him, etc.

See AP, Court rules bank robber Timothy Elliott can keep $1M lottery prize, Boston Harold, Jan. 18, 2008.