A sexual predator won lottery prize worth $3 million in a Florida Lottery scratch and win ticket. The neighbors of the 205kg pedophile were angered by his winning and said his prize money should be given to his victims.
After becoming aware of his criminal past, the Florida Lottery promptly pulled down the images of Timothy Poole, 43-year-old from its website, where winners of the lottery are promoted. Communications manager for the Florida Lottery, Shelly Gerteisen said the lottery chooses not to draw attention to this specific winner.
Poole spent three years in jail after pleading guilty on the charges of sexually harassing two boys under 12 years old in 2002. This is only one of the numerous charges of violence found on Timothy Poole’s record. He was sentenced to spend 13 months behind bars and probation for 10 years but was instead sent to prison for three years after missing his required sex offender counseling sessions.
Apparently, Timothy Poole was working as a dispatcher and taxi cab driver in his mother’s cab company when he purchased the $20 ticket from a 7/11 store in the weekend. Poole won the $3 million in the lottery’s Super Millions game of scratch-off and opted to receive the prize in a one-time payment of $2,219,807.90.
Poole’s status on Florida’s website for registered sex offenders is listed as being “Released – Subject to Registration”. Florida describes this as not being under any form of supervision, confinement or other sanction imposed by court anymore. In accordance to the law in Florida, the sex offender is still required to register.
Poole was arrested 12 other times on charges such as forging a check and grand theft auto. Timothy Poole also served 3 months behind bars in 1996.
Poole has been trying to avoid the press and media but a friend of his, Floyd Snyder said that Poole couldn’t believe his eyes when he won and that he plans to use the money to expand his mother’s taxi cab service.
“He’s a very positive person. Very kind. Giving. I think that’s why he won. It’s Christmastime, and the dude deserves a break.”
Snyder said.
