Michigan $1 Million Lotto Winner Charged With Welfare Fraud Found Dead

Michigan $1 Million Lotto Winner Who Was Charged With Welfare Fraud Found Dead

A woman who admitted receiving food stamps after winning $1 million on a Michigan state lotto game show has been found dead.

The police have not released any information about the circumstances surrounding Amanda Clayton's death, but ABC News' Detroit affiliate WXYZ-TV reported that sources within the police department said they suspect the woman died of an overdose.

An autopsy is pending on Clayton's body, which was found at a home in Ecorse, Mich., police said.

Clayton, who became a millionaire after her big win last September, caused outrage earlier this year when it was revealed she was continuing to get $200 in monthly food aid from the state.

According to the attorney general's office, Clayton failed to report her winnings and employment while receiving $5,475 in food and medical assistance.

"It's simply common sense that million dollar lottery winners forfeit their right to public assistance," Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a statement. "We will continue to work with local, state and federal authorities to uphold state laws intended to ensure wise stewardship of taxpayer dollars."

Michigan public assistance programs require participants to report income and employment.

She pleaded no contest to welfare fraud and was sentenced to probation in July.

Posted by James Fried on Wednesday October 03 2012, 6:51 AM EDT. Ref: Google. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Nation. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0