Lotto Winner Pleads Guilty in Home Heating Scam

FOX 25 reported that the owner of a Chelmsford business and former state lottery winner has been convicted in a home heating scam that took thousands from Wilmington and other area residents, many of whom were elderly.

Michael Santaniello, 60, pleaded guilty to four counts of larceny over $250 from a person over 60 years of age, six counts of larceny over $250, larceny by check over $250, larceny over $250 by false pretenses, and failure to return leased personalty.

The owner of Mike's Oil Heat Service on Littleton Road in Chelmsford, Santaniello also faced charges last year in relation to alleged theft of a rental car in Westford.

Santaniello has been ordered to serve 2 1/2 years in the House of Correction, with 18 months to serve and the balance suspended for two years. After that, he will serve an additional 2 1/2-year sentence in the House of Correction to be suspended for five years. He will then be placed on probation.

He must also attend Gambler's Anonymous meetings, complete a money management course, pay restitution, not volunteer to work with eldery or disabled people, and not operate or manage his own business.