Man wins lottery prize during embezzlement case

[October 03, 2009]  GIRARD, Kan. (AP) -- A former Kansas radio executive who admitted that he embezzled to support an addiction to scratch-off lottery tickets won a $96,000 lottery prize.

Prosecutors say the prize money will go toward paying restitution to Paul W. Lyle's former employer, American Media Investments.

Lyle pleaded guilty Thursday to felony theft for embezzling an estimated $88,000 from American Media.

It was during his preliminary hearing Sept. 21 that Lyle was notified he had won a prize in a second-chance lottery drawing. The prize includes a boat, cash and tickets to a NASCAR race at the Kansas Speedway.

Lyle will be sentenced Nov. 30.

His conviction carries a sentencing range of five to 17 months in jail or prison. But prosecutors say Lyle likely will get probation because he has no previous felony convictions.

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Information from: The Joplin Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com

[Associated Press]

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