E! Television to air 'Curse of the Lottery' Sunday

Sep 20, 2006, 3:54 pm (99 comments)

After the Big Win

It's what dreams are made of:  buy anything you want and more.  But for some, winning the lottery is not all champagne, limousines and mansions, and brings only misery and regret.

The sudden influx of cash can lead down a dark road to drugs, bankruptcy and even death. Why does blissful prosperity rarely ensue? Are those who win big truly destined for doom?

Uncovering the stories behind 10 real-life lucky ticket holders, E! sits with lottery winners, their friends and family, as well as financial planners and lottery experts, to find out why some who score jackpot rise to the top, while others fall rock bottom.

The two-hour special episode "THS Investigates: The Curse of the Lottery" premieres Sunday, September 24 at 8pm et/pt.

The lottery is a multi-billion dollar business that is fueled by the fantasy that one ticket can mean instant fortune and happiness. For lottery winners Jack Whittaker, William "Bud" Post, Victoria Zell and Billie Bob Harrell Jr., the dream of winning big-time bucks came true, but what they ended up losing as a result was tragic.

Jack Whittaker of West Virginia won the largest Powerball jackpot in history, only to be robbed, confronted with serious legal issues and eventually have his family torn apart by alcohol and drug abuse.

Lottery winner Bud Post of Pennsylvania was almost murdered for his money when his own brother hired a hit-man to kill him in an attempt to rake in his cash.

Victoria Zell struck lottery gold in Minnesota but landed in jail after being found guilty on multiple counts of vehicular homicide.

And Texan lottery winner Billie Bob Harrell sadly ended his own life after out-of-control spending sprees and an affair left him deeply in debt and divorced.

"THS Investigates: The Curse of the Lottery" reveals the true stories behind these lottery winners and others who were transformed instantly from ordinary people into mega-millionaires.  and the troubles that seem to have inevitably followed. In this two-hour episode:

About E! Networks

Based in Los Angeles, E! Networks is the world's largest producer and distributor of entertainment news and lifestyle-related programming. The company operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable and inspiring lifestyle programming, and E! Online, located at Eonline.com. E! is currently available to 87 million cable and direct broadcast satellite subscribers in the U.S. The Style Network currently counts 42 million subscribers. Internationally, E! programming can be seen in more than 120 countries worldwide, reaching 600 million homes. In addition to its ventures for locally programmed E! branded channels outside the U.S., the company operates the E! International Network, a 24-hour English language global entertainment channel available via satellite in Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

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Guest

All you hear are the B A D stories Please Tell some of the Good ones.

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

We've all seen stories like this on TV and in the newspaper.  I guess they're becoming more popular these days.  I was watching Deal or No Deal the other night and a contestant's wife was screaming at him because he kept turning down a lot of money.  I joined her!  Finally he accepted $675,000 and it turned out he actually did have $2 million in his case. But if he had taken the risk and ended up with only a dollar, it would have been much, much worse.  After taxes $675K is a lot more than he started with and a record for that show but, from the look on that guy's face, I don't think he was too happy. Sometimes when I see those couples, I wonder what happened on the way home. To the best of my knowledge, no cases of spousal homicide have been reported following a game show.

Getting back to this particular story, I think I will take my chances and continue to play the Lottery. 

 Michael Begin, certified financial planner — "If you're miserable with 10 dollars, you'll be miserable with a million dollars."

On a spiritual level, this statement is true.  Same goes for moving to a new location or changing jobs or anything else in life.  However, if the reason you're unhappy is because you live in a bad neighborhood and can't afford the rent or you're working 60 hours and your boss is always yelling at you, or you can't get rid of that toothache because a dentist wants $500 for a root canal,  then I disagree with it wholeheartedly.  My version of the above statement is "it's a heck of a lot better to be rich and miserable than poor and miserable. At least if you are rich and miserable you can take a long vacation and be miserable sipping margaritas on your boat."

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Good stories are too boring, and there are far more good than bad. However the media likes to focus on the negative ones, as that is what human nature is typically attracted to. Misery loves company. Of course a sudden windfall is not going to buy intelligence and wisdom. But I think they are taking the most extreme cases to show what can "possibly" happen but actually rarely ever does.

Most of the winners already had messed up lives to begin with, and was ill-prepared to handle such money. Most are not like the players here, like myself, who have spent many years planning for a windfall and are tailor-made for it when it happens. But that is a story that is far too perfect and positive to publish.

The majority of the miserable population wants to hear that those who won more money than they will ever have, somehow lost it all and became worse than they originally were. Flukes can happen, but for the most part those cases occurred from pure stupidity and overall lack preparedness. I have already been through the worst, so bring on the lottery curse. Please.

DoubleDown

Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Sep 20, 2006

We've all seen stories like this on TV and in the newspaper.  I guess they're becoming more popular these days.  I was watching Deal or No Deal the other night and a contestant's wife was screaming at him because he kept turning down a lot of money.  I joined her!  Finally he accepted $675,000 and it turned out he actually did have $2 million in his case. But if he had taken the risk and ended up with only a dollar, it would have been much, much worse.  After taxes $675K is a lot more than he started with and a record for that show but, from the look on that guy's face, I don't think he was too happy. Sometimes when I see those couples, I wonder what happened on the way home. To the best of my knowledge, no cases of spousal homicide have been reported following a game show.

Getting back to this particular story, I think I will take my chances and continue to play the Lottery. 

 Michael Begin, certified financial planner — "If you're miserable with 10 dollars, you'll be miserable with a million dollars."

On a spiritual level, this statement is true.  Same goes for moving to a new location or changing jobs or anything else in life.  However, if the reason you're unhappy is because you live in a bad neighborhood and can't afford the rent or you're working 60 hours and your boss is always yelling at you, or you can't get rid of that toothache because a dentist wants $500 for a root canal,  then I disagree with it wholeheartedly.  My version of the above statement is "it's a heck of a lot better to be rich and miserable than poor and miserable. At least if you are rich and miserable you can take a long vacation and be miserable sipping margaritas on your boat."

I saw that show too... He actually had $ 3 Million in his case...he correctly picked his case from among , what is it, 25 ?

He turned down $600K , then accepted $675K, but had he went on...

He would have been offered $1.1 Million...

I bet he sure would have taken that and walked !!!!

 

DD

TheGameGrl's avatarTheGameGrl

I concur whole heartedly with Sirbrads comments! Bring on the curse, and I will gladly bless it with wonderous results!

As to the tv drama, its A-typical for the meida to spruce up the negative. Thus why reading a good book and sipping sweet southern tea is a dream come true no matter what income ya have :)

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

DD, I wasn't sure. $3 million.  Ouch!  That makes it even worse.  I think he was going for that one extra shot and his wife was going crazy and he was sweating so much that he caved in, but that must have really hurt!  Still, I'd love to win $675,000 but walking away knowing you actually had the $3 million in your case....  You're right - it was #25, which I think was his wedding anniversary or some special date.  Still, I probably would have walked away sooner, so I think he was very lucky. I wonder how many people would actually go for it when there was still a $1 case?

jeffrey's avatarjeffrey

People are as happy as they want to be; after they have the basics of living. Most people don't need more.

All lottery winners have the chore of saying no and the crazies who chase their money. Keep the secret and find your joy.

DoubleDown

Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Sep 20, 2006

DD, I wasn't sure. $3 million.  Ouch!  That makes it even worse.  I think he was going for that one extra shot and his wife was going crazy and he was sweating so much that he caved in, but that must have really hurt!  Still, I'd love to win $675,000 but walking away knowing you actually had the $3 million in your case....  You're right - it was #25, which I think was his wedding anniversary or some special date.  Still, I probably would have walked away sooner, so I think he was very lucky. I wonder how many people would actually go for it when there was still a $1 case?

JXP, hindsight is 20/20 as they say, but he was dead-on right .

How many people are that lucky to nail the right case  ? 

Anyway, he should be ( and I'm sure he is ) happy to get the $675K, and yes, he was sweating like a ( well...you know )....____ in church...

 

DD

DoubleDown

Regarding the original story here, just let me win a PB or MM jackpot and I will show everyone that it is NOT a curse. Banana

They can choose to portray the "losers" if they like because after all, it's ratings they are after and sad stories sell....No Pity!

 

I would bust their little bubble..Boxing 

DD

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

 All I can say is......

                                       I Agree!

Coin Toss's avatarCoin Toss

Quote: Originally posted by DoubleDown on Sep 21, 2006

Regarding the original story here, just let me win a PB or MM jackpot and I will show everyone that it is NOT a curse. Banana

They can choose to portray the "losers" if they like because after all, it's ratings they are after and sad stories sell....No Pity!

 

I would bust their little bubble..Boxing 

DD

Touche. 

Don't forget though guys, statistics say that three out of five lottery winners are bankrupt within five years, and has been pointed out in this thread, that's what makes news!

I'm going to try and watch this, hoping that a couple of heavy players I know watch it.  

toot

Me to the lotto winners:

"Awwww, I'm so gosh awful sorry that you guys won the lotto. What a curse."

 

Me to God:

"Dear Lord, will you please curse me to win the PB lottery today. Amen."

tntea's avatartntea

A person is as happy as they allow themselves to be...

It doesn't take Money to make one happy...  

LckyLary

It's something how virtually every negative story about Lottery winners mentions Jack Whittaker. (I could not find the slot machine he supposedly invented at Caesars)

Often a Lottery win became a curse because of events and situations leading up to the day of the win. The more ex-lovers and the more a person depended on others plus their intelligence and their caring or not caring what others think of them, the more these situations are magnified after a win. I always say that whoever was there for me in the past, I would be there for them in the future. I wouldn't care the least if someone stopped liking me because I didn't give them money.

Kidzmom's avatarKidzmom

These are basically the same 4 or 5 stories that have been blown up for years.......................................So out of these people that have had bad luck, you trying to tell me that the rest of the unnamed lotto winners are having bad luck too? Somebody has to be happy!  If you think about it, most people's lives were already like this when they won, they just did not get sound advice about it.  Me, I am very happy with $10.00.  People are going to hound you to no end though.  I would have to research anything that has to be with a "blind trust" because I don't trust anybody to have that kind of control over my money but Jesus Christ!

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

I already know what I would struggle with, unless I won so much money it wouldn't matter. I know one family member who is high on my list and needs financial assistance, but if he slipped and told other family members, then that's where the problems would begin. I don't have anything now yet I ran into this when preparing my will.

LOTTOMIKE's avatarLOTTOMIKE

   .i know i wouldn't be cursed if i won.i wish they would do a show on what GOOD has happened with nice lottery winners.

starchild_45's avatarstarchild_45

Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Sep 20, 2006

DD, I wasn't sure. $3 million.  Ouch!  That makes it even worse.  I think he was going for that one extra shot and his wife was going crazy and he was sweating so much that he caved in, but that must have really hurt!  Still, I'd love to win $675,000 but walking away knowing you actually had the $3 million in your case....  You're right - it was #25, which I think was his wedding anniversary or some special date.  Still, I probably would have walked away sooner, so I think he was very lucky. I wonder how many people would actually go for it when there was still a $1 case?

i thought about trying to get on this show but they do casting calls. the last one was in new york city. i am a long way from there.

Skylaquisha

Quote: Originally posted by DoubleDown on Sep 21, 2006

Regarding the original story here, just let me win a PB or MM jackpot and I will show everyone that it is NOT a curse. Banana

They can choose to portray the "losers" if they like because after all, it's ratings they are after and sad stories sell....No Pity!

 

I would bust their little bubble..Boxing 

DD

Exactly.

ironbelle

When I hear of drug/alcohol problems, I think those are problems that lottery winners had BEFORE they won the money. I know two different people who were lottery winners. One guy went to trade school with me and we never saw him back at school after he won. This guy wound up in jail so I don't even think he got to spend the money. This was in 1986 when the only option of payments was installments and not cash out. The 2nd person was a wife who's husband bought the ticket. When she was hired, she told ppl about the winnings. They blew that money big time. He got a Corvette, a BMW was repossed, they had this big house built, they were having marriage problems and they both like cocaine. It would be nice to hear some happy stories about lottery winners and I can't wait until I win to show ppl that we can be happy. If I won, I would pay off MY financial obligations to include my Jeep. Start with a clean slate. For one month, I would not buy ANYTHING. That one month is used to really think about how NOT to blow all of this money and what I am going to do with that money to make it work for me and to give back to the community. Notice I haven't quit my job? I want to stay under the radar as long as I can instead of going out buying a house/car right away. I have a new car I purchased two years ago, so I have transportation. I have a cheap 1BR in So Cal so I'm not homeless. I got plenty of time to buy a house when the time is right. Maybe cause I'm a little older, not into partying as much anymore and have seen a couple of examples of ppl who didn't take time to think about their new wealth.

Bob21456

They told me that I will also be on the show... I am the guy from Camarillo tha the clerk switched tickets with and tried to claim my $530,000 winnings.... He just pled guilty the other day and is looking at 5 1/2 years in prison... I have a problem with the sentence..I will get to that later...

I still have all of my winnings... Put in a 6 month CD so I could think about how to invest it.... I think the problem with winners who wasted all their money comes down to one fact... They have never had money so they have no clue as to how fast it can disappear... Think of it this way.... How fast can you spend a thousand dollars? pretty fast.... A million dollars is one thousand... thousand dollar bills..... they want a new car.... they don't shop for price as they would have done before... they get all the options..... there goes 50 thousand dolar bills....950 left..... buy a house..... 500 thousand dollar bills (or more) they have 450 left.... furnish the house..you have to have new furnature in a new house.....theater room etc.... 100 thousand dollar bills.... you have 350 left.... Party for the friends.... 10 thousand dollar bills.... 340 left.... Vacation.... 25 thousand dollar bills.... 315 left... and so on till its all gone....

I feel sorry for them but I am sure that they were given advice and did not pay any attention to it....

 

As far as the 5 1/2 years in prison....I am troubled with the sentence.... Our system allows me as the "Victim" to make a statement at the sentencing hearing; it sounds easy doesn't it?  Many questions go through your mind; it’s not as easy as…. He did it. Lock him up. I find myself wondering if it is right to send a first time NON VIOLENT offender to prison. We all know from watching investigative reports and documentaries that the first thing he will need to learn upon entering our prison system is how to be VIOLENT so he can SURVIVE? This is in fact true... Yet we as a society justify it by claiming they are getting what they deserve. We speak for today, forgetting that someday this person, now DAMAGED by the time he spent in prison, who has learned to settle disputes with VIOLENCE, will someday be released and move back into our community; is that what we really want? How do you balance the need to punish with the true goal of rehabilitation? Will 5 ½ years in prison work any better than a year in jail and an extended period of time on formal probation? I have no clue… but I do have reservations about sending him to prison. My statement to the Court might not carry any weight… his fate may be sealed by law… I could remain silent and let the chips lay where they fall… living with my feelings that it is wrong. I am torn… Tomorrow everyone will forget this man and what happened to him, but I will always remember him…. What do I do?
Tenaj's avatarTenaj

Quote: Originally posted by Bob21456 on Sep 24, 2006

They told me that I will also be on the show... I am the guy from Camarillo tha the clerk switched tickets with and tried to claim my $530,000 winnings.... He just pled guilty the other day and is looking at 5 1/2 years in prison... I have a problem with the sentence..I will get to that later...

I still have all of my winnings... Put in a 6 month CD so I could think about how to invest it.... I think the problem with winners who wasted all their money comes down to one fact... They have never had money so they have no clue as to how fast it can disappear... Think of it this way.... How fast can you spend a thousand dollars? pretty fast.... A million dollars is one thousand... thousand dollar bills..... they want a new car.... they don't shop for price as they would have done before... they get all the options..... there goes 50 thousand dolar bills....950 left..... buy a house..... 500 thousand dollar bills (or more) they have 450 left.... furnish the house..you have to have new furnature in a new house.....theater room etc.... 100 thousand dollar bills.... you have 350 left.... Party for the friends.... 10 thousand dollar bills.... 340 left.... Vacation.... 25 thousand dollar bills.... 315 left... and so on till its all gone....

I feel sorry for them but I am sure that they were given advice and did not pay any attention to it....

 

As far as the 5 1/2 years in prison....I am troubled with the sentence.... Our system allows me as the "Victim" to make a statement at the sentencing hearing; it sounds easy doesn't it?  Many questions go through your mind; it’s not as easy as…. He did it. Lock him up. I find myself wondering if it is right to send a first time NON VIOLENT offender to prison. We all know from watching investigative reports and documentaries that the first thing he will need to learn upon entering our prison system is how to be VIOLENT so he can SURVIVE? This is in fact true... Yet we as a society justify it by claiming they are getting what they deserve. We speak for today, forgetting that someday this person, now DAMAGED by the time he spent in prison, who has learned to settle disputes with VIOLENCE, will someday be released and move back into our community; is that what we really want? How do you balance the need to punish with the true goal of rehabilitation? Will 5 ½ years in prison work any better than a year in jail and an extended period of time on formal probation? I have no clue… but I do have reservations about sending him to prison. My statement to the Court might not carry any weight… his fate may be sealed by law… I could remain silent and let the chips lay where they fall… living with my feelings that it is wrong. I am torn… Tomorrow everyone will forget this man and what happened to him, but I will always remember him…. What do I do?

Yes NodFollow your conscious.  If your conscious is going to bug you, speak up for the guy.  Because if you don't it will be a thorn in your flesh.

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

There are a lot of people who join this site and post that they are someone from a news article.  Sometimes we see 2 or 3 new names with one post and then they disappear into the dust. Assuming you are really Robert Sehested, I am sure you've received advice from the State Prosecutor's office. I was the victim of a crime and I certainly didn't go to an internet board to spill my guts and ask for advice. Anyway, as Tenaj suggested, just let your conscience be your guide and tell the truth.

Now, if you really want my opinion...5 years is a pretty reasonable sentence for grand larceny. After all, if someone broke into your home and robbed you and stole your car, I doubt if it would add up to 1/2 million bucks.  He could have gotten away with it too.  A couple of people on LP who accuse me of being a "liberal" might find it ironic that I say string the son-of-a *B* up and let him swing! He certainly didn't have much of a conscience when ripping you off, did he?

Tenaj's avatarTenaj

Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Sep 24, 2006

There are a lot of people who join this site and post that they are someone from a news article.  Sometimes we see 2 or 3 new names with one post and then they disappear into the dust. Assuming you are really Robert Sehested, I am sure you've received advice from the State Prosecutor's office. I was the victim of a crime and I certainly didn't go to an internet board to spill my guts and ask for advice. Anyway, as Tenaj suggested, just let your conscience be your guide and tell the truth.

Now, if you really want my opinion...5 years is a pretty reasonable sentence for grand larceny. After all, if someone broke into your home and robbed you and stole your car, I doubt if it would add up to 1/2 million bucks.  He could have gotten away with it too.  A couple of people on LP who accuse me of being a "liberal" might find it ironic that I say string the son-of-a *B* up and let him swing! He certainly didn't have much of a conscience when ripping you off, did he?

I guess it was easy for me to say since it didn't happen to me.  If it had happened to me, I'll probably be saying "hang'em high"LOL  That is a lot of money to be out of.  The blow of being out of it would have been like a violent crime.

dvdiva's avatardvdiva

If someone stole my car I'd just laugh. Of course they would have to start it first.

I think loosing 500k that you won in a lottery would be far less tramatic then many violent crimes. 

guesser's avatarguesser

I find it hard to feel sorry for anybody that tried to fraud anyone.

 

What if the shoe was on the other foot ?

What if he got away with it ?

Where does it stop ?

Who else has he done it to and gotten away with, even if it's a low-dollar ticket ?

 

I agree, 5 1/2 years is a bit much, but it's the dollar amount - what if your financial manager squandered all of your winnings and left you with nothing ?   Would you feel any different towards him/her ?   It happens all the time, go ask Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, his 'accountant' lost almost every penny he (Kareem) had - 38 million IIRC.  (If I Recall). 

Therein lies the problem - setting a precedent - if everyone else that has committed fraud prior to this has received a 5 1/2 year sentence, then he has to get it also.  If he didn't, you'd see the appeals court fill up in one day - 'why me and not him ?'.

 

IRONBELLE - has it right - don't buy anything for a month, think about it.   It's funny, but I have had that plan in place for 9 years now - if there is any item I WANT but don't NEED - like if I walk through a store and see a big-screen TV or something, yeah, I can afford it, but I go home and sleep on it. If I still want it 2 days later, I go back.  95% of the time I don't go back.   That has saved me from buying a ton of junk I don't need. 

Bob21456

Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Sep 24, 2006

There are a lot of people who join this site and post that they are someone from a news article.  Sometimes we see 2 or 3 new names with one post and then they disappear into the dust. Assuming you are really Robert Sehested, I am sure you've received advice from the State Prosecutor's office. I was the victim of a crime and I certainly didn't go to an internet board to spill my guts and ask for advice. Anyway, as Tenaj suggested, just let your conscience be your guide and tell the truth.

Now, if you really want my opinion...5 years is a pretty reasonable sentence for grand larceny. After all, if someone broke into your home and robbed you and stole your car, I doubt if it would add up to 1/2 million bucks.  He could have gotten away with it too.  A couple of people on LP who accuse me of being a "liberal" might find it ironic that I say string the son-of-a *B* up and let him swing! He certainly didn't have much of a conscience when ripping you off, did he?

Let's see.... Feb 14 was his 50th birthday and he bought 50 tickets..... What do you think the 2-14-56 stands for in bob21456.... How about this..... send an email to robertsehested or bobsehested @aol.com I will send you a picture.....then you can apologies for calling me an imposter...
Who is spilling their guts out? If you didn't have you head stuck up your *** and thought about the big picture, maybe you would consider that our prison system is a criminal college. We lock them up and they come back to our community worse than when they left.... I am still sitting on the fence about what happened.... I am looking for opinions from others to see if my thinking is sound.... I am concerned that it took him 2 months after being arrested to admit his crime.... That is my sticking point right now.... I am really interested in what Osama has to say at the sentencing hearing.... that will be the final test for me.... As for now..if you can not loose the high and mighty attitude and give an honest thoughtful response.... then go away
guesser's avatarguesser

If you e-mail   jack.nicholson@cox.net   you can get me, but I'm not Jack Nicholson...  not doubting you, but anyone can take a name if it's available, and even you have to admit it's odd that you won the mini-lottery in February, and today is your very first posting on here - in coincidence with a TV show......

 

A final thought - what if you won 'the big one', a clerk checked your ticket, saw it was the winner, and handed it back to you.  Now let's say he follows you out the door and shoots you in your car and takes it ?   I know that's a worst-case scenario, but what if ?  

Bob21456

Quote: Originally posted by guesser on Sep 25, 2006

If you e-mail   jack.nicholson@cox.net   you can get me, but I'm not Jack Nicholson...  not doubting you, but anyone can take a name if it's available, and even you have to admit it's odd that you won the mini-lottery in February, and today is your very first posting on here - in coincidence with a TV show......

 

A final thought - what if you won 'the big one', a clerk checked your ticket, saw it was the winner, and handed it back to you.  Now let's say he follows you out the door and shoots you in your car and takes it ?   I know that's a worst-case scenario, but what if ?  

Did you watch the show.... remember what I look like..... That is why I offered to send a picture..... or maybe I followed him to San Diego and and went on a two day tuna fishing trip with him just to get his picture????

Bob21456

Quote: Originally posted by dvdiva on Sep 25, 2006

If someone stole my car I'd just laugh. Of course they would have to start it first.

I think loosing 500k that you won in a lottery would be far less tramatic then many violent crimes. 

The thing is.... I had no idea that my ticket was switched.... Life went on as normal... If security had not discovered the fraud... I would never have known that I was the winner and never would have ever thought about it again.... Life has not changed since receiving the money....I have not touched it.... locked in CD till next month and I will probably roll it over for another 6 months because I still have not decided how I will invest it.

Bob21456

Quote: Originally posted by Tenaj on Sep 24, 2006

I guess it was easy for me to say since it didn't happen to me.  If it had happened to me, I'll probably be saying "hang'em high"LOL  That is a lot of money to be out of.  The blow of being out of it would have been like a violent crime.

Last post should have been posted to this

Tenaj's avatarTenaj

Quote: Originally posted by Bob21456 on Sep 25, 2006

Did you watch the show.... remember what I look like..... That is why I offered to send a picture..... or maybe I followed him to San Diego and and went on a two day tuna fishing trip with him just to get his picture????

Yes NodDon't get angry Bob, we have a lot of imposters and people full of you know what posting.  I watched the show.

Tenaj's avatarTenaj

Quote: Originally posted by Bob21456 on Sep 25, 2006

Last post should have been posted to this

You can edit within 20 minutes.   Look for the edit button at the top.

Bob21456

delores247's avatardelores247

That was an interesting Show,I Think for now i am happy with a normal life,I don't think i am ready to win the Lottery yet after watching that show but i mostly play pick3 and cash five but every once in a while now and then i play the lottery,however years ago i use to play it a lot and won 4 ,5 out of 6 it was a fun game to me i guess i will keep it that way,The lesson i learn from this information was to never take money for granted and Don't let Money Change the Person you are that can be dangerous.

Bob21456

Better picture

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

Bob, now that you've plastered your face all over the thread (you look a little crazed) will you please go back and read my comments? I didn't accuse you of anything.  If you spend some time to read the archives you'll see that there have been many imposters here. Some members aren't nearly as polite as I was in pointing that out to you. I just looked at what I wrote, and there wasn't anything insulting or offensive.  In fact, I believe I told you to go with your conscience and then wrote how I might feel if someone cheated me like that. The only reason I knew your name is I took the time to google your story and was giving you the benefit of the doubt.

By the way, if you do decide to read some of the former topics, you'll see some very strong opinions from other members calling people who check their tickets at stores idiots or fools. I didn't do that, did I? What you are admitting is that you bought a ticket with a potentially large prize and asked a stranger to check it out for you. Then when he gave you a few bucks, you just walked away clueless. 

You have no right to insult me like that.  However, I can already tell from the crude way you write, we won't have much in common to talk about on this board, so I'm not too worried.

Coin Toss's avatarCoin Toss

Quote: Originally posted by Bob21456 on Sep 25, 2006

Let's see.... Feb 14 was his 50th birthday and he bought 50 tickets..... What do you think the 2-14-56 stands for in bob21456.... How about this..... send an email to robertsehested or bobsehested @aol.com I will send you a picture.....then you can apologies for calling me an imposter...
Who is spilling their guts out? If you didn't have you head stuck up your *** and thought about the big picture, maybe you would consider that our prison system is a criminal college. We lock them up and they come back to our community worse than when they left.... I am still sitting on the fence about what happened.... I am looking for opinions from others to see if my thinking is sound.... I am concerned that it took him 2 months after being arrested to admit his crime.... That is my sticking point right now.... I am really interested in what Osama has to say at the sentencing hearing.... that will be the final test for me.... As for now..if you can not loose the high and mighty attitude and give an honest thoughtful response.... then go away

Bob

To show up on a board and tell someone to just go away is a little strong. You asked for input and justxploring gave you some. 

As for the 5 1/2 years....if you don't push for it, you're just letting him free to try the same thing on somone else. Think about that. Criminals get a finite time sentence, sometimes life. Victims always get 'life' ( it haunts them the rest of their life).  Personally, I think instead of being too lenient, you're obligated to push for jail time, not for your own satisfaction but for everyone else's protection.

On the TV program it showed you going to the internet to check websites. Why, oh why, did you not go to the lotterie's (Mega Millions?) to check the ticket?

 PS

Being shown as a winner of a half million dollars on a TV program,  and then coming to a discussion board and making your e-mail with your real name in it public isn't really a great move.

Wink

DoubleDown

Quote: Originally posted by Coin Toss on Sep 25, 2006

Bob

To show up on a board and tell someone to just go away is a little strong. You asked for input and justxploring gave you some. 

As for the 5 1/2 years....if you don't push for it, you're just letting him free to try the same thing on somone else. Think about that. Criminals get a finite time sentence, sometimes life. Victims always get 'life' ( it haunts them the rest of their life).  Personally, I think instead of being too lenient, you're obligated to push for jail time, not for your own satisfaction but for everyone else's protection.

On the TV program it showed you going to the internet to check websites. Why, oh why, did you not go to the lotterie's (Mega Millions?) to check the ticket?

 PS

Being shown as a winner of a half million dollars on a TV program,  and then coming to a discussion board and making your e-mail with your real name in it public isn't really a great move.

Wink

I Agree! Bob, You asked for input and then when you got some you didn't like, you fired back with insulting remarks . That was uncalled for.

If you didn't like the response you could always ignore it, or better yet go someplace else and ask for advice.

I think you owe JXP an apology.

DD 

Todd's avatarTodd

Quote: Originally posted by Bob21456 on Sep 25, 2006

Let's see.... Feb 14 was his 50th birthday and he bought 50 tickets..... What do you think the 2-14-56 stands for in bob21456.... How about this..... send an email to robertsehested or bobsehested @aol.com I will send you a picture.....then you can apologies for calling me an imposter...
Who is spilling their guts out? If you didn't have you head stuck up your *** and thought about the big picture, maybe you would consider that our prison system is a criminal college. We lock them up and they come back to our community worse than when they left.... I am still sitting on the fence about what happened.... I am looking for opinions from others to see if my thinking is sound.... I am concerned that it took him 2 months after being arrested to admit his crime.... That is my sticking point right now.... I am really interested in what Osama has to say at the sentencing hearing.... that will be the final test for me.... As for now..if you can not loose the high and mighty attitude and give an honest thoughtful response.... then go away

Bob,

Congrats on your win.  I'm sure that if nothing else it was a good learning experience for you, and I'm sure you don't let other people check your tickets any more.  Also, it's good that you're telling the story, because hopefully other future potential scam victims can avoid your situation.

You sound very compassionate about the criminal, and I think it's good that you are taking your role in his sentencing seriously.

My recommendation to you is to not oppose whatever the standard sentence would be.

It's not just about this one criminal.  In fact, it's more about future potential criminals than it is about this one guy.

If you get some time to review the years of lottery news stories posted here at Lottery Post, you'll see that the crime perpetrated on you is all too common.  It is important to get the word out about these crimes, so that somebody one is thinking about how easy it would be to do something like this may have second thoughts.

The guy's life will not be over.  He'll get out early, and will end up with a couple of years burned.  But by doing that, you may save 10 people from suffering the same fate.

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Maybe instead of jail time he could be forced to continue working and pay a lifetime annuity. So it actually costs him A LOT of money for being so greedy. Some clerks actually get tips for their honesty. I never check big wins that I can't cash in by machines, I also make a few copies, front and back.

The lottery needs make some changes with the machine however, so it shows how much you win to the ticket holder. They have the jackpot amounts in BIG BOLD letters, so they should find a way to have the prize amount show as well.

timint

From the original post we have,

 "Susan Bradley on the best way to claim a winning lottery ticket — "One of the first things a lottery winner should do in a perfect world is not claim the ticket in their name. You can form a blind trust, and you can have the lottery winnings put into the trust."

 I just checked the FAQ page for the Virginia Lottery about anonymous claimants and found this:

 

Can I remain anonymous when I claim my lottery winnings?

No. Winners often ask if they can claim Lottery prizes anonymously. Virginia state law stipulates that a person must claim a prize; winners cannot claim a Virginia Lottery prize with a limited liability company or a trust, for example. In addition, the claimant’s name, hometown and prize are public record and are released to the media (usually for prizes $100,000 and up). Winners also agree to allow the Lottery use of their photo for reasonable publicity. News releases, often with photographs, are displayed on the Lottery`s Web site. For some jackpots and for some Scratcher prizes, game rules require the winner or winners to appear at a news conference held by the Lottery.

Virginia Lottery prizes are provided by the public (people who play the games); it is important to disclose where prizes go. All expenditures made by the Virginia Lottery must be made public. A winner`s private information (telephone number, street address, Social Security number, etc.) is protected by law and will not be released.

 

My comment: I don't see why states would encourage winners to put themselves and their families at risk by mandating the publication of their names and hometowns for all to see. One family received over 50,000 letters in their mail from people asking for money while others received death threats to themselves and their families. Any winner that doesn't want to remain anonymous is either crazy or a fool or both. It's just wrong that winners should be forced to expose themselves to the hungry wolves out there that are set to prey on them.
Coin Toss's avatarCoin Toss

timint

There's a thread here on LP about  a winner in Oklahoma remaining anonymous.

In the book Infinite Financial Freedom, What To Do Before and after You Hit the Lottery, it's suggested that jackpot winners buy Kidnap & Ransom insurance. 

///////////////////////////

Bob....

If you're still reading this thread...on the program, you mentioned that you believe in karma. Think about that with the comments here about court....and, all things considered, think about what the clerk might have been planning with the money.  

Bob21456

I apologize to all.... got carried away when by my interpretation of the comments... I do not like being called a liar...
I believe in “Karma.” Everything happens for a reason. My wife and I always agreed that we would not tell anyone if we hit the lottery. After finding out we had won, and the clerk had stolen our winning ticket, we did not hesitate in going public; it was important for the public to know so they would be able to protect themselves from this ever happening to them.  As it turned out it was not a local story… not a national story… It in fact became an international story… I found Internet hits for news stories in Canada, France, Germany, England, Australia, and Japan. I have had people stop me in the street to show me their lottery ticket exclaiming that they now sign the ticket as soon as they buy it… The message got out.

Here is something you may find interesting... I went to CABO Fishing... A trip that was planed before winning the lottery.... CBC Canadian Broadcasting Co. came down and interviewed me in CABO... They had been researching this story long before my incident occurred... They had discovered that store clerks were claiming lottery prizes in a higher percentage than the general public....

The show is called the Fifth Estate.... scheduled to air on October 25.... might want to take a look....

 

As for me....I am an idiot for letting this happen... When you shop at the same store for a long time and become friendly with the people... you develop an unhealthy trust.... Let this be a lesson to all.

guesser's avatarguesser

Bob, I never called you a liar, maybe someone else did.  I said it's too easy to pose as an imposter, to portray someone else, on the internet, and that includes pictures.   If you are who you say you are, great, and if not, fine, life still goes on.

I have read your story in the paper, you said the lesson you learned was to sign your ticket immediately upon purchase, I was surprised the show didn't really go into that at all, signing it, putting it in a bank vault, any of that stuff.   I was also kinda surprised they didn't take 5 minutes to show how a drawing really happens. 

 

TIMINT - they want to (need to) disclose the identities of the winners so the public knows the win is above-board, that some Lottery official's brother didn't 'somehow' get a winning ticket...... or reasons like that.   But how they can prove or disprove that is beyond me.  You CAN rig the lottery in that the very second the winning numbers come up, your database guy plugs those number into a database, and you can crank out a ticket behind the scenes.  Not every Lottery sales site has video cameras, so that isn't a concern, you can attribute the ticket being sold from one of those types of sites.  But even beyond that you can send 'Wally' on a drive across america, have him stop in at a truck stop at 6:07 on a Monday evening, buy 20 tickets, all losers, but then crank out 20 new tickets behind the scenes that are all time-stamped 6:07 from the same truck stop, pull a switch, and nobody is the wiser.   I wonder how they combat that, besides 'trust' ?

Do I think it's rigged ?   NO. 

 

First thing I would do if I won it is to move - buy a house or condo 50-100 miles away in the name of a Trust that cannot be traced back to me, disconnect all phones and buy those disposable ones from Kwikkie-Mart.   I pay ALL of my bills online, so there is NO reason for me to get mail (not even Xmas cards), but I would have a PO Box somewhere... but not in my name.

fastball 9's avatarfastball 9

Bob:

 

I want to thank you for your posts.  They were informative and, for a change, right on.  What your doing regarding the sentence is your call, and I respect your fortrightness on the topic.  Good luck with the whole episode.

 

I watched the show last night by chance and was impressed with it overall.  I was wondering, since your a real winner in the game, what you thought of the show and how it handled the topic.  My feeling was they did a good job, even showing the young lady who had won in California and had gotten off to a good start.

 

Finally, as a limited amount player of the lottery, I was wondering if you had any personal advice for us wanna be's here in case we might win the big one?

 

Thanks for your posts, hope you'll continue to march. 

tony95

I have a problem with the media making a big deal out of people spending all of there winnings in a few years.  If your including winners that only take in $200-300K, then of course that's going to go fast.  I have a spreadsheet of what I would spend a state lotto win on and it would be gone fairly quickly.   I would buy a decent car and boat, pay my debts, do some work on my house, take a vacation and it would be about gone.  Let's face it, 99% of lottery jackpots don't pay retirement money.  Even if I won a couple million dollars, I don't see how it would last me through retirement when I am only 34, but it would be a good start.

Bob21456
I thought the show was good... I think more emphasis on how to protect yourself should have been added.... That is my message so I am kind of biased about that... Other than the fact I hate seeing myself on TV... I enjoyed the show.. 
guesser's avatarguesser

Tony, with the right kind of planning, 3 million would definitely last a lifetime (figuring 40 years at paying yourself $75,000 a year - and at this point tax-free since you paid taxes on it before they handed you the check) and that's not counting any interest you may have earned, or stock market profits, but 2 million ?   Maybe not, but that's mainly because of the cost of health care.

 

Winning $200,000 - $500,000 is good enough to pay off debt (for the most part), and possibly have a little nest egg, money that is there when you need it. 

guesser's avatarguesser

Quote: Originally posted by Bob21456 on Sep 25, 2006

I thought the show was good... I think more emphasis on how to protect yourself should have been added.... That is my message so I am kind of biased about that... Other than the fact I hate seeing myself on TV... I enjoyed the show.. 

I absolutely agree with you.   I just cringed when I saw they guy that bought a 'big' jet airplane, and then the guy that bought the mansion in Florida but lost it over a $5,000 home association dues not being paid ?   I saw his cars, one was a Ferrari Enzo - a 1.2 million dollar car.

If I won it, I'd buy a place slightly newer than the one I have, and to be honest, yes, I'd buy an exotic car, but not a 1.2 million dollar exotic car (and even that is only if I won THE Powerball Jackpot).  But I'd also buy a Toyota or a Lexus, also.  (sorry, no jet for me).   I wouldn't buy a new wardrode, gold rolexes, diamond jewelry, ancient paintings or pottery, or anything like that.  I don't need a Ming vase or a Faberge' egg. 

Tenaj's avatarTenaj

Quote: Originally posted by guesser on Sep 25, 2006

I absolutely agree with you.   I just cringed when I saw they guy that bought a 'big' jet airplane, and then the guy that bought the mansion in Florida but lost it over a $5,000 home association dues not being paid ?   I saw his cars, one was a Ferrari Enzo - a 1.2 million dollar car.

If I won it, I'd buy a place slightly newer than the one I have, and to be honest, yes, I'd buy an exotic car, but not a 1.2 million dollar exotic car (and even that is only if I won THE Powerball Jackpot).  But I'd also buy a Toyota or a Lexus, also.  (sorry, no jet for me).   I wouldn't buy a new wardrode, gold rolexes, diamond jewelry, ancient paintings or pottery, or anything like that.  I don't need a Ming vase or a Faberge' egg. 

EekIt was that teenage guy that made me cringe.  I almost felt he didn't deserve to win the lottery.  And the whole time they were showing that segment, I thought, is that the king's English they are speaking.  We've come a long way. They need Professor Higgins.  All of their syllables just ran into and over each other.  I'm was like - what did you just say? gee

guesser's avatarguesser

He was a thug.

 

He should be kept in prison for robbing us of oxygen. 

tony95

Quote: Originally posted by guesser on Sep 25, 2006

Tony, with the right kind of planning, 3 million would definitely last a lifetime (figuring 40 years at paying yourself $75,000 a year - and at this point tax-free since you paid taxes on it before they handed you the check) and that's not counting any interest you may have earned, or stock market profits, but 2 million ?   Maybe not, but that's mainly because of the cost of health care.

 

Winning $200,000 - $500,000 is good enough to pay off debt (for the most part), and possibly have a little nest egg, money that is there when you need it. 

I wasn't really thinking about it after taxes, I would have to win about $6 million to make that happen.  Even so, 75K/yr in the year 2046 would probably put me close to (or below) the poverty line.  Not to mention the fact that I don't want to die at age 74, hopefully I will make it to at least 85.

If I didn't quit my job and made good investments for 40 years then I would do pretty well, but then that would not really be retiring on $3 million.  However, I don't really have to worry about this scenario since all we have is a state lottery that pays on average $300K, highest JP take by 1 person was $850K (all before taxes), and Powerball. 

tony95

Quote: Originally posted by guesser on Sep 25, 2006

I absolutely agree with you.   I just cringed when I saw they guy that bought a 'big' jet airplane, and then the guy that bought the mansion in Florida but lost it over a $5,000 home association dues not being paid ?   I saw his cars, one was a Ferrari Enzo - a 1.2 million dollar car.

If I won it, I'd buy a place slightly newer than the one I have, and to be honest, yes, I'd buy an exotic car, but not a 1.2 million dollar exotic car (and even that is only if I won THE Powerball Jackpot).  But I'd also buy a Toyota or a Lexus, also.  (sorry, no jet for me).   I wouldn't buy a new wardrode, gold rolexes, diamond jewelry, ancient paintings or pottery, or anything like that.  I don't need a Ming vase or a Faberge' egg. 

Wish I had seen this.  Did this guy think he was Snoop Dog or something?  Even if I won a $200 million jackpot, I would buy a used yacht and luxury car off of ebay at an auction price (not more than 100K).  I have too much respect for money for that kind of waste.

Bob21456

Quote: Originally posted by tony95 on Sep 25, 2006

Wish I had seen this.  Did this guy think he was Snoop Dog or something?  Even if I won a $200 million jackpot, I would buy a used yacht and luxury car off of ebay at an auction price (not more than 100K).  I have too much respect for money for that kind of waste.

The show will be on again  the 27th at 9 PM

csfb's avatarcsfb

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Sep 20, 2006

Good stories are too boring, and there are far more good than bad. However the media likes to focus on the negative ones, as that is what human nature is typically attracted to. Misery loves company. Of course a sudden windfall is not going to buy intelligence and wisdom. But I think they are taking the most extreme cases to show what can "possibly" happen but actually rarely ever does.

Most of the winners already had messed up lives to begin with, and was ill-prepared to handle such money. Most are not like the players here, like myself, who have spent many years planning for a windfall and are tailor-made for it when it happens. But that is a story that is far too perfect and positive to publish.

The majority of the miserable population wants to hear that those who won more money than they will ever have, somehow lost it all and became worse than they originally were. Flukes can happen, but for the most part those cases occurred from pure stupidity and overall lack preparedness. I have already been through the worst, so bring on the lottery curse. Please.

I Agree!  Misery loves company.  So true.  Some people revel at the misery of others;  they don't revel the same way when they see your good fortune.

tony95

Quote: Originally posted by Bob21456 on Sep 25, 2006

The show will be on again  the 27th at 9 PM

I'll have to set my DVR.

tony95

Quote: Originally posted by csfb on Sep 25, 2006

I Agree!  Misery loves company.  So true.  Some people revel at the misery of others;  they don't revel the same way when they see your good fortune.

Amen...

And the media loves to feed this simple-minded notion.  This is one of the biggest problems in America, people need to think with their heads not their emotions.  Be glad for the winnners, even though you envy them.

csfb's avatarcsfb

Quote: Originally posted by Bob21456 on Sep 25, 2006

The thing is.... I had no idea that my ticket was switched.... Life went on as normal... If security had not discovered the fraud... I would never have known that I was the winner and never would have ever thought about it again.... Life has not changed since receiving the money....I have not touched it.... locked in CD till next month and I will probably roll it over for another 6 months because I still have not decided how I will invest it.

I saw this news on TV.  My first thought at that time was: who, what, how , and where was the ticket stolen?  I didn't realize, the clerk did it by switching tickets.

Bob21456, congratulations on your win. 

In an earlier post, you seem very concerned about the 5 and 1/2 yr prison term for this kind of non-violent crime.  I, too have a problem with the prison system.  They don't really do much to rehabilitate the individual, I believe.  But what would be an alternative?  Until we have a better rehabilitation system, we're stuck with it.  Any thoughts?  I've been concerned about this subject for a long time now.

tony95

I feel bad for the guy, this is the dumbest act I have ever heard of.  If he gets 5 1/2 years, hopefully he will be out in 1-2 years (likely, being a non-violent offender).  It will teach him a lesson and let everyone know this type of crime is unacceptable.  After all, isn't this grand, grand, grand larseny.  Tell the court it was a stupid act and he should do some time for it and leave it up to them what to do next.  Just a felony conviction is going to haunt him for the rest of his life, but he knew what he was doing when he tried to steal half a million dollars from you.

dvdiva's avatardvdiva

Quote: Originally posted by timint on Sep 25, 2006

From the original post we have,

 "Susan Bradley on the best way to claim a winning lottery ticket — "One of the first things a lottery winner should do in a perfect world is not claim the ticket in their name. You can form a blind trust, and you can have the lottery winnings put into the trust."

 I just checked the FAQ page for the Virginia Lottery about anonymous claimants and found this:

 

Can I remain anonymous when I claim my lottery winnings?

No. Winners often ask if they can claim Lottery prizes anonymously. Virginia state law stipulates that a person must claim a prize; winners cannot claim a Virginia Lottery prize with a limited liability company or a trust, for example. In addition, the claimant’s name, hometown and prize are public record and are released to the media (usually for prizes $100,000 and up). Winners also agree to allow the Lottery use of their photo for reasonable publicity. News releases, often with photographs, are displayed on the Lottery`s Web site. For some jackpots and for some Scratcher prizes, game rules require the winner or winners to appear at a news conference held by the Lottery.

Virginia Lottery prizes are provided by the public (people who play the games); it is important to disclose where prizes go. All expenditures made by the Virginia Lottery must be made public. A winner`s private information (telephone number, street address, Social Security number, etc.) is protected by law and will not be released.

 

My comment: I don't see why states would encourage winners to put themselves and their families at risk by mandating the publication of their names and hometowns for all to see. One family received over 50,000 letters in their mail from people asking for money while others received death threats to themselves and their families. Any winner that doesn't want to remain anonymous is either crazy or a fool or both. It's just wrong that winners should be forced to expose themselves to the hungry wolves out there that are set to prey on them.

Eventually some winner will give a lottery legal notice that this rule places them in harms way. Once that is done it would open the lottery up to very heavy financial damage should anything happen to the winner. The estate of a winner getting murdered over the prize would get more than what the prize was worth. It will only take one time for this to happen before all states allow anonymous claims especially of jackpot style games. Of course if the winner chooses to go on Operah that would be theirs to make.

Bob21456

Quote: Originally posted by tony95 on Sep 25, 2006

I feel bad for the guy, this is the dumbest act I have ever heard of.  If he gets 5 1/2 years, hopefully he will be out in 1-2 years (likely, being a non-violent offender).  It will teach him a lesson and let everyone know this type of crime is unacceptable.  After all, isn't this grand, grand, grand larseny.  Tell the court it was a stupid act and he should do some time for it and leave it up to them what to do next.  Just a felony conviction is going to haunt him for the rest of his life, but he knew what he was doing when he tried to steal half a million dollars from you.

2006014672    Sam Grair

Case Number Offense Level Court Location Agency Code Citation Number Case Status
2006014672 F V CSLC OPEN
Defendant Name
Sam Grair
Jail Length Jail Length Unit Probation Type Probation Length Probation Unit Warrant Type Warrant Amount
Violation Date Court Date Create Warrant Date Dispostion Date Last Sentence Date
02152006 06262006
Mandatory Appear Calendar Date Time Courtroom
Y 10192006 130P 12
ROC translation Attorney Name AR Balance
SENTENCESENT 65.00

  Fee Summary
Total Fine Amount Courtroom Fine Courtroom Fees
$ 65.00 $ 0.00 $ 65.00
   Violations
Violation Number Statute Offense Violation Desc Can
Correct
Fine
Amount
Amount
if Corrected
Plea Disposition
459 PC F Second Degree Commercial Burgl N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 NG
459 PC F Second Degree Commercial Burgl N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 NG
487(a) PC F Grand Theft Of Personal Proper N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 NG PLEDG
72 PC F Presentation Of Fraudulent Cla N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 NG PLEDG
186.11(a)(2) PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY FTRUE
186.11(a)(2) PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY FTRUE
186.11(a)(2) PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY
186.11(a)(2) PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY
12022.6(a)(2 PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY FTRUE
12022.6(a)(2 PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY FTRUE
12022.6(a)(2 PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY
12022.6(a)(2 PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY
Tenaj's avatarTenaj

Hmmmmmmmm.   186 hit straight in Kentucky last night from one of the violation numbers.   1186 combo will make a good pick 4 number.  118 have been hitting a lot lately or you can turn it over to 188.   2022 will make a good pick 4. 

It's got to be a reason this is shown.  There's a lot of good numbers on here.  I guess Sam Grair can't for deflamation of character if what is presented is "true".  Besides this is public record anyway.

Bob21456

Quote: Originally posted by Tenaj on Sep 26, 2006

Hmmmmmmmm.   186 hit straight in Kentucky last night from one of the violation numbers.   1186 combo will make a good pick 4 number.  118 have been hitting a lot lately or you can turn it over to 188.   2022 will make a good pick 4. 

It's got to be a reason this is shown.  There's a lot of good numbers on here.  I guess Sam Grair can't for deflamation of character if what is presented is "true".  Besides this is public record anyway.

Pulled from Ventura County Court Web Page

tony95

Quote: Originally posted by Bob21456 on Sep 26, 2006

2006014672    Sam Grair

Case Number Offense Level Court Location Agency Code Citation Number Case Status
2006014672 F V CSLC OPEN
Defendant Name
Sam Grair
Jail Length Jail Length Unit Probation Type Probation Length Probation Unit Warrant Type Warrant Amount
Violation Date Court Date Create Warrant Date Dispostion Date Last Sentence Date
02152006 06262006
Mandatory Appear Calendar Date Time Courtroom
Y 10192006 130P 12
ROC translation Attorney Name AR Balance
SENTENCESENT 65.00

  Fee Summary
Total Fine Amount Courtroom Fine Courtroom Fees
$ 65.00 $ 0.00 $ 65.00
   Violations
Violation Number Statute Offense Violation Desc Can
Correct
Fine
Amount
Amount
if Corrected
Plea Disposition
459 PC F Second Degree Commercial Burgl N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 NG
459 PC F Second Degree Commercial Burgl N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 NG
487(a) PC F Grand Theft Of Personal Proper N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 NG PLEDG
72 PC F Presentation Of Fraudulent Cla N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 NG PLEDG
186.11(a)(2) PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY FTRUE
186.11(a)(2) PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY FTRUE
186.11(a)(2) PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY
186.11(a)(2) PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY
12022.6(a)(2 PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY FTRUE
12022.6(a)(2 PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY FTRUE
12022.6(a)(2 PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY
12022.6(a)(2 PC F S/A - Enh - Excessive Loss Ove N $ 0.00 $ 0.00 DENY

Is this the guy's record that tried to steal your lottery ticket, if so I would ask for no mercy.  He has had plenty of chances to go straight and clearly has chose a life of crime.  The longer he is off the street, the better.  He should never be employed in a place where he handles money.

Bob21456

Quote: Originally posted by tony95 on Sep 26, 2006

Is this the guy's record that tried to steal your lottery ticket, if so I would ask for no mercy.  He has had plenty of chances to go straight and clearly has chose a life of crime.  The longer he is off the street, the better.  He should never be employed in a place where he handles money.

NO NO NO.... These are the charges filed for stealing the lottery ticket.... He pled guilty to stealing personal property.... and presenting a fraudelent claim.... the other counts...186...1202 are sentence enhancement for the amount of the theft and claim

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

" I feel bad for the guy, this is the dumbest act I have ever heard of.  If he gets 5 1/2 years, hopefully he will be out in 1-2 years (likely, being a non-violent offender).  It will teach him a lesson and let everyone know this type of crime is unacceptable.  After all, isn't this grand, grand, grand larseny. "

Why isn't this grand larceny? Interesting that so many people are "feeling sorry" for a thief.  It's also puzzling that some members here don't think it's as serious as stealing a car. What if it were a check or cash? What's the difference?   People buy tickets for a lot of reasons, some just for fun. But in some cases, it would be stealing someone's dream, someone's hope.  Isn't that a crime? 

Maybe in CA $500,000 is not a lot of money, but even after taxes it would buy a nice home in many lovely areas. The reason the courts are looking at this as a serious offense is that a winning lottery ticket was stolen without any consideration of the buyer. The winner happens to be a successful business owner who probably wouldn't starve without the money. However, he could have just as well been someone who needed an operation or had a hungry family.  If they don't put a stop to this practice, then people will be afraid to buy tickets at local stores and check their numbers.

Personally, I would never check my numbers at a retail store, but many people do which promotes sales - not only of lottery tickets, but of merchandise. If you've ever worked in a store, you know that shoppers are impulse buyers and will get an item even if they just came into check their numbers.  Many times people use that trip to the store to buy or check a ticket to pickup a few groceries. However, this goes much deeper.  If lying about a winning ticket is considered a minor offense, the next person might steal some scratch tickets from under the counter. Crime has a domino effect and must be stopped. I am not judging this man, since I do not know him or the exact details of his crime, only what I read.

I just don't understand why the theft of a $500,000 lottery prize is any less offensive to people here than if someone mugged you and stole your wallet? Actually, it's a bit worse when it comes to the conscience of this thief. Sometimes we make mistakes.  A driver will accidentally take his eyes off the road and hit a pedestrian. When he decides not to take responsibility, it is called "hit & run" for a reason.  This clerk knew what he was doing and lied.  Okay, so he got excited and had bad judgment. We've all have bad judgment at one time or another. When I was a teenager I scraped a parked car as I was turning a corner.  I was so afraid my father would punish me and took off in a panic. I felt so terrible that I reported it and paid full restitution. This young man had a lot of time to realize what he did was wrong, even after he tried to claim the money. Had he admitted to his crime when he was being questioned by the Lottery or helped them to find the winner, I am certain his sentence would be lighter.  In fact, after reading the original newspaper articles which indicate that 19 years is the penalty, it looks as if he is getting a big break.

If this young man has no previous record, he won't serve his full sentence.  It was a stupid thing to do and prison certainly isn't the answer to everything, but I don't know where we should draw the line.  Someone steals a watch or grabs a woman's pocketbook in the street. We find out he's had a tough life and wanted the money to buy shoes for his little sister. Do we feel sorry for him?  Of course we should, but that means every time someone does something wrong, we now need to make exceptions for "living conditions" or "childhood upbringing" or "peer pressure" or maybe he was just have trouble with girls? What if this clerk was from a wealthy family and he drove a new Corvette?  Would it be reverse discrimination to say "he really didn't need the money which makes him a real thief, so his crime is even worse?" I know I've written too much here, but I still don't see the difference between someone purposely lying and stealing and that same person taking a diamond ring off of a jewelry counter. 

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

EDIT:  Just wanted to say that for some strange reason, I've been thinking the clerk we are talking about is a young man.  He is 42 years old, certainly old enough to know better!!  I guess all the posts about "feeling sorry" for the guy threw me and I just myself be brainwashed.

Also, something else is going on here.  I am trying not to be judgmental, but read the news article.  This man LIED IN COURT UNDER OATH!!   Not only did he plead not guilty on all counts, but he was BACK IN COURT (unless the paper is mistaken) and again LIED AFTER TAKING AN OATH IN A COURT OF LAW!!   Why is everyone saying this man is so innocent.  Just on that alone he is guilty of a serious offense.

 

http://www.thecamarilloacorn.com/news/2006/0630/Front_Page/004.html

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

Also - From the Ventura County Star: 

***The next day, Grair allegedly tried to cash Sehested's ticket at the Lottery Commission's office in Van Nuys, but couldn't answer all the standard questions asked of winners of six-figure prizes — including where and when he bought the ticket and whether the winning numbers were personally selected or quick picks.

Before Grair returned to the office for a second interview, lottery agent Jim Dumelle had reviewed a surveillance video from the liquor store that showed another man — later identified as Sehested — buying the ticket.

When confronted with the discrepancy, Dumelle said, Grair denied any fraud.

"He said, 'That's impossible. How could that be? I don't know what you're talking about. Goodbye,' " before walking out of the office. ***

guesser's avatarguesser

Quote: Originally posted by tony95 on Sep 25, 2006

I wasn't really thinking about it after taxes, I would have to win about $6 million to make that happen.  Even so, 75K/yr in the year 2046 would probably put me close to (or below) the poverty line.  Not to mention the fact that I don't want to die at age 74, hopefully I will make it to at least 85.

If I didn't quit my job and made good investments for 40 years then I would do pretty well, but then that would not really be retiring on $3 million.  However, I don't really have to worry about this scenario since all we have is a state lottery that pays on average $300K, highest JP take by 1 person was $850K (all before taxes), and Powerball. 

Yes, you are correct.

My point was, with the correct investment tools, and as long as a person does not go overboard, one can live a long, long time on an average amount of income, you just have to decide what lifestyle you want: Do you want to be pompous and showy, or do you want to be quiet, reserved, frugal (ie: 'cheap'), etc. ? 

ironbelle

Guesser - You know what? I kind of do that right now. If there is something I want, I really try to think about buying it. I rent a small 1BR apartment so there is not much room for anything, so I'm careful about buying stuff such as furniture, wide screens etc. I work for an electronics company and we get discounts on big TV's but where is it going to go? I ask myself. I want to win a jackpot just so that I can prove that you can be happy with all that money! I'm glad this thread started because we never hear about the success stories or any good that the money does, we hear about the drugs, cheating, etc that went on BEFORE these people even won the money.

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

Quote: Originally posted by tony95 on Sep 25, 2006

I feel bad for the guy, this is the dumbest act I have ever heard of.  If he gets 5 1/2 years, hopefully he will be out in 1-2 years (likely, being a non-violent offender).  It will teach him a lesson and let everyone know this type of crime is unacceptable.  After all, isn't this grand, grand, grand larseny.  Tell the court it was a stupid act and he should do some time for it and leave it up to them what to do next.  Just a felony conviction is going to haunt him for the rest of his life, but he knew what he was doing when he tried to steal half a million dollars from you.


Feeling bad for the guy is all well and good, but that doesn't mean his misfortune isn't his own fault or that he shouldn't be held accountable. As far as a felony conviction haunting him for the rest of his life, I wouldn't count on it.   It can keep him from getting some jobs, and if he's in the minority of eligible voters who actually vote he'll have to give that up, but he'll also get to skip jury duty. For a lot of jobs it won't even come up or it won't matter, and if the guy was working as a store clerk it's probably a safe bet that his next job wasn't going to be middle management  at a Fortune 500 company.

As far as an appropriate penalty, I certainly agree that violent crimes deserve more punishment, but sometimes the real difference between a violent crime and a non-violent crime is whether or not somebody witnesses or tries to stop the crime. This guy tried to steal 500 grand. How long do you suppose he would voluntarily suffer to make that much money? I'm not desperate enough to go to jail in exchange for 100 grand a year, but I've got no problem looking at that as an arbitrary figure in decidinga reasonable jail sentence.

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

After all, isn't this grand, grand, grand larseny. "  Tony

Why isn't this grand larceny? Interesting that so many  (me)

 

Tony,  I  apologize - I apparently transposed your words. So I was really agreeing with you! At my age maybe I should read posts out loud!  LOL   Bang Head   I should have actually written most of that on a blog, since the subject here was the tv show, not the theft.  I just went a little nuts because I've been cheated & lost a lot of money, so I think it's a lot worse when the crook actually looks into your eyes and lies. At least in this case, he never collected the money. Some people (like investment brokers, for example) change your lives forever. Lying is lying. Doesn't matter if it's a lottery ticket, a car repair or an insurance policy.

guesser's avatarguesser

How's this for comparison:

 

Andrew Fastow - the former Enron CFO - helped bilk BILLIONS of dollars from people, robbed people of their retirements, robbed people of their stock holdings, put thousands of people out of work - and made millions himself - got sentenced to 6 years in prison yesterday. 

 

 

Bob21456 - where did you go ? 

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