win a million, go to jail

Timothy B. Elliott, 55, recently won $1 million by purchasing a scratch ticket in the Massachusetts Lottery.

Lucky? Well, maybe not.

Unfortunately for Mr. Elliott, the Mass Lottery Commission has learned that in October 2006, Mr. Elliot pleaded guilty to unarmed robbery following a heist at a Cape Cod bank.

Under his probation agreement, Mr. Elliott has been prohibited from gambling of any sort. His probation clearly specifies that he "may not gamble, purchase lottery tickets or visit an establishment were gaming is conducted,including restaurants where Keno may be played."

The purchase of the ticket is a violation of his probation. Elliott may have to serve time in jail and/or lose the money, since purchasing the ticket was against the law... and criminals aren't allowed profit from the commission of a crime.

The $1 million is to be distributed in 20 annual installments of $50,000 each. Mr. Elliott got his first check (picture above) but may not be able to keep it... or any of the remaining nineteen. He has a hearing coming up on December 7.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071128/ap_on_fe_st/odd_robber_lottery_winner

good news... you get the luxury cell