Lottery winner sentenced to probation for welfare fraud

DETROIT, MI (AP)--   A Detroit-area woman who collected welfare despite winning a $735,000 lottery prize has been sentenced to probation.

Attorney Todd Flood says Amanda Clayton has repaid about $5,500 in food aid and medical benefits. The 24-year-old pleaded no contest to fraud last month and was placed on probation Tuesday for nine months.

The Michigan Department of Human Services says Clayton didn't inform the state about her pre-tax lottery windfall of $735,000 last year. Flood says Clayton did make an attempt but decided not to fight the case and move on with her life.

Governor Rick Snyder signed a law in April that requires lottery officials to tell the Department of Human Services about new winners.