Lottery Winner On Welfare Gets Probation
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A Lincoln Park woman who collected food stamps after winning a million-dollar prize has avoided jail time.
Amanda Clayton, who pleaded no contest to fraud, was sentenced on Tuesday to 9 months probation. In addition, she's required to have a job and pay court costs.
Clayton, 25, said she's anxious to accept her punishment and move on. "I do know that I made bad judgement and I'm willing to pay restitution and put this behind me," she said.
Her attorney, John Dakmack, told WWJ Newsradio 950 that Clayton is currently looking for employment.
"She has a couple of leads, but it's been very difficult with this case pending," Dakmack said. "She lost her job because of this case, not for anything for did at work, not because she was a bad employee -- simply because she had this charge, she lost her job. So now she has this behind her."
The Michigan Department of Human Services said Clayton didn't inform the state when she took home $735,000, before taxes, from the Lottery game show "Make Me Rich."
Attorney Todd Flood says Amanda Clayton has repaid about $5,500 in food aid and medical benefits. Her case will be reviewed after three months.
Gov. Rick Snyder signed a law in April that requires lottery officials to tell the Department of Human Services about new winners.
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