Timothy Piech won more than $1 million in lottery before embezzlement
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Updated: 6:56 PM Sep 3, 2010
Timothy Piech won more than $1 million in lottery before embezzlement
Mishawaka, IN
Records show Piech won $8,000 from lottery during the embezzlement.
Posted: 6:56 PM Sep 3, 2010
Reporter: Brandon Lewis
Email Address: Brandon.Lewis@wndu.com
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Timothy Piech, who is accused of helping JoEllen Lach embezzle money from Blair Hills, also won the lottery.

In May 1993 he won $1,022,000. He also won an additional seven times between 1998 and 2009, winning a total of $1,038,829.

"At one point in time maybe he was a millionaire, I certainly hope he has some money now for restitution, our first and primary objective is restitution. Secondly, we're after justice as well. This theft went on for a number of years," said Mike Bellovich, President of the Blair Hills Community Association. Bellovich became president in April following the embezzlement scandal.

Piech is accused of netting nearly $23,000 from the embezzlement at Blair Hills, which reportedly lasted from about 2005 to 2009. During that time Piech won $8,000 in the lottery.

Last week, it was announced Lach would pay back $180,000 as part of her plea deal with the prosecutor.

"We are certainly going to expect restitution from that individual [Piech], as well," said Bellovich.

He said the money they stole was needed this year for community projects.

"We've lost a lot of money and that's certainly impaired out ability to make improvements that we had hoped to make this year and next year, but again we're looking for the restitution," said Bellovich.

Prosecutor Michael Dvorak said they could decide go after any remaining assets if Piech is found guilty.

“We will exercise all due diligence to help the victim [Blair Hills subdivision] out if convicted," said Dvorak in a statement to NewsCenter 16. Dvorak declined an on camera interview because the case is still open.



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16 WNDU-TV South Bend