Shocker! Scammer Attempts to Scam Government

If we were ever caught stealing money from a loosely-monitored state account, we’d accept that the good times were over and take our punishment. (Though it’s unlikely we’d be nabbed, unlike some people, John Buonomo.)

But convicted thief Richard Arrighi apparently doesn’t subscribe to our philosophy. The man who was convicted of helping to steal $9.4 million from the state told prosecutors he was flat broke and couldn’t pay his $425,560 restitution. But through the power of Google, they proved him wrong.

While he may not have very much money in his bank account, Arrighi isn’t totally destitute.

Internet pictures of the community in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where Arrighi and his wife live. The house, which Robin Arrighi bought in 2005, is worth more than $1.5 million.

Prosecutors also learned what cars the Arrighis have been driving: a 2006 Jaguar, a 2007 Hummer, and a 2008 BMW valued at more than $70,000.

Oh. You mean these things can be sold for cash? Who knew?

Once the prosecutors reminded Arrighi about his assets, he promised to pay restitution by Nov. 5. But his lawyer would like you to know his client won’t be the only one who suffers.

“It means his kids are going to public college,” defense attorney Joseph Balliro Jr. lamented to the Herald[.]

Won’t anyone think of the children?