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.....