"Sheeeeeit...."

After beating 609-million-to-1 odds to win $5 million in 1982, Sharp, an air conditioning technician from Newark, could have been on easy street for the rest of his life.

Instead, like others treated to windfalls, he frittered away his money on lousy investments, generous handouts and luxury items he couldn't afford.

"The money's gone," said Sharp, now 71. Known for his bowler hats and dapper clothes, Sharp became an overnight celebrity when he arrived to pick up his lottery winnings with both his soon-to-be ex-wife and his girlfriend.

Sharp's first big purchase was a 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood. "I paid $60,000 for it," he recalled.

Then came the "small mansion" in West Orange, N.J, and a "lavish wedding" to his girlfriend, a union that didn't last. "I was living it up, traveling everywhere, buying watches, rings, clothes," Sharp said. "I enjoyed it.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/money/country-famous-lottery-winner-living-pension-social-security-checks-article-1.384072