Amanda Clayton: Michigan’s $735,000 Lottery Winner Charged With Welfare Fraud
A Lincoln Park, Michigan resident won the lottery and was later charged with welfare fraud for collecting food stamps and public health insurance even after winning a $735,000 jackpot.
Amanda Clayton, 25, kept quiet during her brief court hearing after spending the night in jail. A not guilty plea was entered, and her lawyer gave his word to fight the charges. Clayton is the second resident in the state of Michigan to be caught up in the food stamp fraud, despite having a sudden flood of money. Gov. Rick Snyder signed a law requiring the lottery to notify the Human Services Department whenever a resident wins $1000 or more.
The charges Clayton is facing stem from a failure to notify the state of her recent cash lottery prize winning and her recent employment. Amanda won a $1 million dollar jackpot on the televised game-show “Make Me Rich,” an amount which resulted in a stunning $735,000 cash prize accrued after taxes last September. Attorney General Bill Schuette, whose office filed the charges, was quoted by AP News having said:
“It’s simply common sense that million-dollar lottery winners forfeit their right to public assistance.”
Amanda Clayton, the mother of a 1 year old son, is being charged with welfare fraud for collecting $5,475 in food stamps and public medical benefits over the course of eight months. A scam which she abruptly ceased perpetrating after Detroit TV station WDIV released footage regarding her story in March. She informed WDIV that she thought she could collect food stamps due to her unemployment at the time. The state of Michigan forks out a stunning $250 million every month to state residents requiring cash assistance. Schette spokeswoman Joy Yearout refused any comments on the decision regarding a felony charge in place of a civil lawsuit or the fact that Amanda was arrested and spent the night in Jail.
Clayton declined any further comments after posting the $1,000 bail, her lawyer advised that it was in her best interest not to talk to reporters. She faces a maximum penalty of four years if convicted of welfare fraud.
Tags : Amanda Clayton, Amanda Clayton lottery, Amanda Clayton Welfare Fraud, Food Stamp Fraud, Lottery Winner Welfare Fraud, lottery winners, Michigan Lottery, Michigan Lottery Winner, Rick Snyder, Welfare Fraud
Posted: April 18, 2012
Apr 18, 2012
Yes, it is a huge problem. There are people out there claiming to be single while they are living with someone who has a job and makes money that isn't being included in the income info that their benefits are based on. I knew a woman who collected benefits on 3 children including rent assistance while living with the father of all 3 kids the whole time. She worked part time to keep her benefits as high as possible. Helping out people truly in need is one thing. Handing over my hard earned dollars to a lazy con artist is offensive, I don't care what the government says. Send her ass to prison, and anyone else who thinks government money is free money.
Apr 18, 2012
There is so much fraud going on. There are so many programs out there. But seems no one cares.
Apr 18, 2012
Sure she thought it was ok, give us a break! Yes she should be charged with fraud and she should have to pay it back, she also should also be put on a blacklist to not be able to recieve any assistance in the future!
Apr 18, 2012
Some people struggle to make Paycheck to Paycheck and then you see this on the News, makes me sick. People need to get of there Butts and Work. they say there are no Jobs out there Bull. Walmart, Lowes and other Company's looking for People all the time. Also People who get Foodstamps and take there Childs DisabillityCheck and also living with there Boyfriend who has a Job as a Assistaned Manager get that kind of Money. WRONG you LAZY people get of your Ass and get a Job and quit living of my Taxes. Thank You.
Apr 18, 2012
Welfare fraud is a HUGE problem! But as long as the law abiding citizens keep paying, the free loaders will keep taking!
Apr 18, 2012
The sad part is yes,, and the American people can do nothing thanks to a crooked Government.
Apr 18, 2012
Hell yes, welfare fraud has always been a big problem. Law abiding taxpayers are more than sick of it.
Apr 19, 2012
JUST SHAMELESS. have no more morals or honor..
Apr 23, 2012
I am so happy to read this artical.when she first was on the news I was shocked and sick to think that she was that stupid or not reporting a change to the state. She is getting what she deserves. plain and simple.