Michigan Couple Who Won $500,000 Lottery Accused Of Burglary Spree

Authorities in Michigan say that the couple responsible for a string of daytime burglaries in five counties across the state won $500,000 from a scratch-off lottery ticket in 2016. 28-year-old Stephanie Harvell and 29-year-old Mitchell Arnswald were arrested in an SUV near the scene of a burglary on August 29. Officials found items from the house they were accused of breaking into, and authorities secured a warrant to search their home.

When investigators searched their house, they found items linking them to other burglaries in the state over the past few months. They were charged with home invasion and possession of burglary tools and are each being held on $50,000 cash bonds. Police say that they are still investigating the case and the couple could face more charges in the coming days.

Harvell and Arnswald were living paycheck-to-paycheck in 2016 and had just been served an eviction notice the same day they won the lottery. Harvell drove to a nearby gas station and purchased a $5 "Hot Ticket," which turned out to be worth $500,000. At the time, Harvell said the couple planned to use the money to purchase a home and create a college fund for their two daughters.

Photo: Michigan Lottery Bureau