Rags-to-Riches Lottery Story Marred by Mug Shot

I recently blogged about Holly Lahti, the winner of half of a $380 million lottery jackpot, trying to avoid the public attention surrounding her winnings. Now we may know why.

Shortly after coming forward for her winnings, her estranged husband, Joshua Lahti, came forward. Next came the 2003 mug shots from when Josh and Holly, who is sporting a black eye, were both arrested for battery charges. Holly may have to split her winnings with Josh, who has been arrested on charges including DUI, domestic battery, and second-degree kidnapping.

This isn’t the first time a jackpot winner has had a criminal background. In 2008, a registered sex offender who had been charged of forced-entry burglary won $57 million. In 2008, a high-risk sex offender who violated the state sex offender law by moving won $10 million. In 2007, a convicted bank robber who was prohibited from gambling won $1 million.

See Lisa Holewa, Mega Millions Lottery Riches Story Marred by Jarring Mug Shot, AOL News, Jan. 16, 2011.

Special thanks to David S. Luber (Attorney at law, Florida Probate Attorney Wills and Estates Law Firm) for bringing this to my attention.