January 21, 2004

Dumb Citizen

Not a dumb criminal, more of a sitting duck... From the New York Post comes the story of Jack Whittaker who made U.S. history as the richest undivided lottery jackpot winner when he won Powerball in December 2002. He won $314.9 million, but opted to collect $113 million as a lump-sum payment. From the article: bq. Jack Whittaker may be worth untold millions, but there's one problem the Powerball king's cash can't solve: How to stop getting ripped off. bq. Cops in West Virginia say a thief shattered a window on Whittaker's locked sports utility vehicle outside his home and made off with a bank bag containing $100,000 in cash. And more: bq. In August, a strip-club manager and his girlfriend were charged with drugging Whittaker and stealing a briefcase containing more than $500,000. And more: bq. And while he really doesn't have a worry in the world, the 56-year-old contractor who lives in the tiny rural town of Scott Depot has become a sitting duck for crooks. Let's see - Mapquest puts Scott Depot right here Heeeeyyyy dude - remember me??? Memo to Jack - start carrying a credit card - ix-nay on the ash-kay... Posted by DaveH at January 21, 2004 12:51 PM