Convicted Sex Offender Daniel Snay Wins Lottery; Should He Keep the Money?

Chet Harlow
According to the Associated Press, a convicted sex offender won $10 million in the Massachusetts lottery last month. Daniel Snay, 56, won the jackpot from a $20 "Billion Dollar Blockbuster" scratch-off ticket. However, it was later discovered that Mr. Snay was a level 3 sex offender, which is considered the most dangerous to society with a high probability of repeat offenses. Members of the community, along with victims' rights groups are demanding that the prize money be withheld from the offender.

Is there a legal basis to strip the winner of the prize money?

Simply put, no. There are currently no laws in place in Massachusetts that would deny the money to Mr. Snay. As he was not prohibited from purchasing the ticket in the first place, he should not be prohibited from receiving the cash. Let's face it, in the history of lotteries, the winners have not always been the law-abiding, upstanding members of society. Sure you hear stories of the unemployed family of 9 or the blue-haired church bingo player winning, but winners will reflect a cross-section of society. Unfortunately, society includes a vile human being like this guy. Therefore, he can use the money in whatever manner he pleases, which hopefully lies within the parameters of the law.

The protesters should use their time more efficiently, such as working to establish a law that would prevent similar cases in the future. Perhaps the law would require a portion of the winnings be given to the victims and their families. However, they cannot change the rules of the game after it has already been played and the outcome was not desired.

They should take comfort in the fact that with the publicity of the case, it was determined Daniel Snay had been working and living in Massachusetts for three years. This caught the attention of Connecticut authorities since he had been last registered in their state and had not informed them that he moved. Failure to properly comply carries a felony charge. As a result, he could quiet possibly face additional prison time. So it appears karma may have lent a hand in this case.

Published by Chet Harlow

I had a lifetime ambition to write, which consistently went unacted upon. Now it's payback time!  View profile

11 Comments

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  • Steve Hicks4/28/2010

    Shouldn't we take it further? Let's not allow those convicted of drug offenses, battery, murder, extortion, DUI, and speeding as well. Are we this freaking stupid? There is absolutely no legal basis for denying anyone the right to buy a lottery ticket. Is this Germany circa 1940? People need to stop thinking with this ridiculous mob mentality because sex offenses are the crime of the moment. Let the guy's punishment be what the court says it is and then get over it. If skeletons in your closet can prevent you from buying a ticket, then very few will be able to participate.

  • Cassius3/17/2010

    Well the victims could sue for the money. If you were in the jury, would you deny it ?

  • Mike Spain3/8/2008

    he should keep the money and do the time

  • Tina Molly Lang3/8/2008

    yeah I guess he's entitled to keep the money, though it's frustrating when good things happen to bad people.

  • Rosa Hayes3/7/2008

    Well, the lotto is the lotto "where everyone can be a winner" or so they say.

  • Rae Lynne Morvay2/27/2008

    Of course the last thing anyone wants is for a serious sex offender to have more resources, however, the lottery and his conviction have nothing to do with one another. If someone is allowed the right to purchase a ticket then they should be allowed to collect the prize. This prize did of course bring him in to the light and they found out that he was not registered and it is very important that these registrations be done. Great topic.

  • Marie Lowe2/24/2008

    Isn't that the luck.

  • Lisa Renee.2/23/2008

    Wow...great writing, Chet.

  • cathiesbloggs2/22/2008

    This is totally fascinating !!!....wow !!!!

  • Kat V2/21/2008

    Ah yes, karma can be a b*tch. Interesting article.

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