Michigan $1 Million Lotto Winner Who Was Charged With Welfare Fraud Found Dead
The woman won $1 million, but kept receiving food stamps.
Sept. 29, 2012— -- A woman who admitted to receiving food stamps after winning $1 million on a Michigan state lotto game show was found dead today.
The circumstances surrounding Amanda Clayton's death were not immediately released by police, 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.