It has been discovered that the police constable currently facing 46 fraud and breach of trust charges in relation to a large-scale insurance scam won the lottery in 2012 just after his arrest.
Peel Regional Police Const. Carlton Watson, who is suspended with pay pending the outcome of his trial, said his “dreams came true when he won $275,000 in the March 12, 2012 Daily Keno draw,” according to a Toronto Star article.
Watson told OLG staff he felt “wonderful” as he claimed his prize – which he won following his arrest.
In a statement at the OLG offices, Watson said he plans to use his windfall towards his children’s education and other financial obligations.
Watson, a 21-year veteran of the force, faces charges including multiple counts of fraud, obstructing justice, uttering forged documents and breach of trust, in connection with the nine insurance claims dating back to 2010. (See 'Cop accused of bilking insurance for nearly $1 million')
Watson has been suspended with pay since he was arrested in the spring of 2011 following an investigation by the force’s Internal Affairs Bureau.
His defence lawyer, Susan Jane von Achten, said the lottery win came well after her client’s arrest and has nothing to do with the case.
OLG spokesperson Tony Bitonti said essentially, there is nothing stopping someone accused or convicted of criminal wrongdoing of claiming a lottery prize.
“If you are the legitimate owner of that ticket, we’ll pay you that prize,” Bitonti told the Star.
