American Notes California

"I knew I'd win a million, for some psychic reason," said Chronic Loser Terry Garrett, 39, a former heroin addict with a long arrest sheet. Sure enough, Garrett's number came up in the million-dollar spin of the California lottery last month, guaranteeing him $40,000 a year for the next 20 years. (The state withheld $200,000 for taxes.) Garrett, however, did not predict the sorry sequel to his story.

His first $40,000 installment in hand, Garrett had to pay off fines and reimburse San Diego County for five years of welfare payments. Soon after, he was arrested in his newly purchased Buick Skylark along with two passengers, one of whom had just sold 8 oz. of cocaine to an undercover narcotics agent. Facing narcotics and firearm charges, Garrett must stand trial next month for allegedly stealing two bottles of cognac from a liquor store. The unlucky winner did manage to make bail by pledging $80,000 as security -- from his future lottery payments.