Convict in Illinois Sues to Play Lottery
PONTIAC, Ill. — A convicted murderer has filed a federal lawsuit seeking the right to play the state lottery.
Jesse Hatch, who is serving a life sentence at Pontiac Correctional Center, wrote lottery officials in February requesting an application to play by mail, but they denied the request, according to the lawsuit filed Monday.
Steve Clark, assistant to the director of sales for the Illinois State Lottery, suggested that Hatch seek permission from the Corrections Department, according to the lawsuit. But the assistant warden at Stateville Correctional Center, where Hatch was in custody at the time, said no.
In the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, Hatch says the state is denying his constitutional rights by not allowing him to play.
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