The whole thing is crazy. I guess he was lucky that the judge decided to let him keep his winnings. Although I am surprised TPTB never took out his child support and alimony at the very beginning. I thought they usually check for those things before handing over a check. 

I'm glad he get to keep his money.

I hope he is going to use this windfall to turn his life around.

The whole thing is crazy>>>>>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

LOL

PSYKOMO 

He robs stores yet decides to "buy" a ticket? Pieces of crap like this who are too lazy to work are the ones who do usually win. Instead they rob those who actually have to work for a living. The winnings should be revoked, no question.

I disagree with sirbrads response.

I can count on both hands folks that cheat the govt on a regular basis, yet we each root them on because they have a job? Please.

The courts ruled and so be it.

Courts can also be just as corrupt as the Government. I don't believe any alleged dictatorship is free from corruption on all levels. However to me there is a big difference between cheating the Government, and threatening other's lives by robbing others at gun point. Maybe not to you though. I don't conform to anything that I know is wrong and against my belief system...I don't care who rules it or who it is. The Government cheats, ignores, and neglects far more people that actually need help, then it helps. I have seen countless cases. So a thief should not complain when he also gets stolen from....

The fact is he violated parole, and we should not be sending the message that violating parole can make you rich. Courts can be wrong, and ARE wrong A LOT. They are by no means the last word.

GameGrl.  Armed robbery is a pretty serious crime.  I assume this means he carried a weapon and could have hurt or killed another person.   

The first article indicated that buying a lottery ticket was in violation of his probation.  If it was not, then he should get the money.  However, if he violated his parole, I agree with Sirbrad. 

But as you said, the courts made a decision, so that's the way it is!   

Sensible judge. He'll get run out of office, if it's possible.

^{_{Modern "education" teaches a version of history so fictionalized, it should be followed by "TM"}
They're warning me about Osama or whatever. Picture me buying the scam; I say "never!".}

This article says Timothy Elliott robbed two banks and the other article said he was caught attempting two unarmed bank robberies. I agree with you that armed robbery is a very serious crime and many states have mandatory prison time, but that's not what he did. The title is sort of misleading because Elliott didn’t actually steal anything.

Both articles mention his mental health state so he probably walked in the banks unarmed, demanded the money, and when the tellers stopped laughing, they called the police. Just the fact he was put on probation the first time and remained on probation after the second attempt proves his mental health was the issue and it was not a serious crime.

According to Elliott's attorney, keeping the lottery winnings was never an issue and the only thing the court was deciding was if he should be jailed for not taking his medication and buying a lottery ticket. Adding a contempt of court from 29 years ago might make the story more interesting but all it really does is show how inept the family court system is. That might be why we have so many people on LP that want to remain anonymous after winning a jackpot.

"He was originally put on probation after pleading guilty in 2001 to armed robbery and larceny." I love the message here that no one has to take responsibilty for their criminal actions, and people will just make excuses for you. I guess a lot more poeple should go rob banks, seems like a lot of good fortune follows. I guess money does attract more money.

And the article goes on to say "He violated probation again by committing another unarmed robbery in January 2006 and received a revised five-year probation."

I don't know the Massachusetts criminal code so I don't know why the judge gave Elliott probation if he pleaded guilty to armed robbery and larceny the first time. But logic and common sense would certainly dictate that the judge throw the book at him for robbing another bank while on probation. Since he was only given additional 5 year probation, I'm assuming another unarmed means the first bank robbery was unarmed too.

When Elliott violated his probation the first time for not taking his medication he was ordered into the care of Taunton State Hospital, a psychiatric institution. The court decided his responsibility and keeping the lottery winnings was never an issue.

"Truth be told, this was more of a media circus," said Elliott's attorney Drew Segadelli this morning" and I'm agreeing with him and not making excuses for Elliott.

Glad he keeps the money.. Sure hope he takes care of those children.  He brought them to the world.   Not supporting your children is worst than robbing a bank.....