A Port St. Lucie man, who claimed a half million dollar jackpot just days ago, could end up using part of that money in his own defense after police arrested him Friday afternoon.
Giovanni Sanchez faces a charge of grand theft, 3 counts of giving false information to a pawn broker, and 3 counts of dealing in stolen property, according to Port St. Lucie police.
Sanchez had been under investigation after his ex-girlfriend filed a complaint of missing jewelry valued at over $3 thousand.
She told police the items were stolen sometime between October of 2014 and February of this year.
She said Giovanni was living with her at the time but they later split up.
Wednesday the Florida Lottery posted a picture of Sanchez with a $500,000 check for winning a Holiday Gifts scratch-off game.