California: Win Some, Lose Some

Win Some, Lose Some

"I knew I'd win a million, for some psychic reason," said Chronic Loser Terry Garrett, 39, a former heroin addict with a long arrest sheet. Sure enough, Garrett's number came up in the million-dollar spin of the California lottery last month, guaranteeing him $40,000 a year for the next 20 years. (The state withheld $200,000 for taxes.) Garrett, however, did not predict the sorry sequel to his story.

His first $40,000 installment in hand, Garrett had to pay off fines and reimburse San Diego County for five years of welfare payments. Soon after, he was arrested in his newly purchased Buick...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!