Triangle cab driver and dispatcher Timothy Pool's US$2.2 million payout is being pursued by two of his alleged sex victims who were aged 9 and 5 when Pool molested them.

Poole denied the charges but pleaded guilty to attempted sexual battery and served time for the crime, reports Associated Press.

Like Us on Facebook

After serving his sentence, he worked for a cab company owned by his mother. In early December, Poole won the lottery in Florida with the prize of US$3 million, but he opted for a one-time payout of US$2.2 million.

When his victims learned of Poole's windfall, they filed the lawsuit seeking financial damages for pain and suffering.

While the Florida legislature removed a statute of limitations for victims of sexual battery below 16 years old, the state does not have legislation that prevents registered sex offenders from collecting their lottery winnings, unlike in Massachusetts.

That would make Poole a double winner because aside from the lottery winning, he has good chances of keeping his prize money due to the lack of law banning him from collecting and keeping his winning.

Nevertheless, Mark NeJame, the lawyer of the alleged victims, sought an emergency freeze on the lottery check of Poole. He argued that if the prize money is not frozen, Poole could legally spend all of it before their lawsuit progresses or he could move abroad to escape paying them damages.

NeJame clarifies, quoted by Fox News, "We are not attempting to get him any additional prison time. He has served his time to society, but he has not served his dues for the alleged massive damage caused to these children."

According to a legal analyst, the reason why the alleged victims are running after Poole's money now is that they didn't pursue civil damages when the man was convicted criminally since then he didn't have money to pay them anyway.

Tagssexual assault, Lottery