A serial bank robber suspect known as the “Seasoned Bandit” — who has robbed several Santa Clarita Valley banks — won $19 million in the lottery in 1998.

James Allen Hayes, 55, was charged for allegedly committing 10 bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties between April and September, and officials confirmed Wednesday that he won the lottery in 1998.

“We didn’t believe (it) at first either,” said one official who is familiar with the investigation. “(Hayes) blew through all the money and then resorted robbing banks to pay his bills.”

From Hayes’ 1998 lottery win, his ex-wife received half of the money and he ultimately ended up with a $6 million lump sum, officials said.

With his winnings, he purchased an apartment building — which burnt down after he sold it — and a Ferrari that he wrecked.

Officials also confirmed that he is broke and has a $1,000-a-week heroin addiction.

When law enforcement officials caught him this week, he was squatting at a place in Ventura.

According to an L.A. Times article published in 1998 about Hayes’ lottery win, it was the second-largest Ventura County lottery winner ever.

From the article:

(Hayes) plans to buy a new car. He is already house hunting in Camarillo’s ritzy Spanish Hills development. And, he has given his two weeks’ notice to quit his job.

“Wouldn’t you?” said a smirking Hayes.

“I’m not going to blow the money,” he added. “I know I’ll change. But only for the better. . . Mainly what I want to do is help out my family and friends in need.”

An FBI affidavit obtained by KHTS states the robberies were committed in a similar manner, using a note that requested between $5,000 and $10,000, and in nine of the robberies, claiming to have a gun. Hayes is currently in federal custody.

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