San Diego
A Southeast San Diego man, who won $1 million in the California Lottery’s Big Spin last year, was sentenced to one year in County Jail and given a $5,000 fine for a petty theft charge of stealing two bottles of cognac.
Terry Howard Garrett, 40, was convicted of a felony charge because of previous petty theft and narcotics convictions. Superior Court Judge Ross G. Tharp suspended the one-year sentence with the provision that Garrett return in six months with a favorable probation report and pay the stiff fine.
“I hope you’ve learned something from this,” Tharp said. “Mr. Garrett must prove himself to probation officials or do the additional time.”
Deputy Dist. Atty. David Lattuca said that the fine imposed should constitute some type of deterrent for Garrett and that because he won the lottery, he could afford a stiff fine.
Garrett committed the petty theft July 20, but won the $1 million Aug. 30 after appearing on the Big Spin lottery show.
He said he is thankful he didn’t have to spend time in jail.
“I’m never gonna do that again,” Garrett said after the sentencing. He told the judge that he planned on going to school to study computers.
As a $1-million winner, Garrett is to receive $40,000 a year, after taxes, for the next 20 years.
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