$2 Billion Jackpot Winner Sued for Alleged Ticket Theft – NBC Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – Turning into a millionaire can deliver you a variety of heartache. The largest jackpot winner in US lottery historical past is already beginning to tackle some.

The California Lottery introduced the winner of Powerball’s historic jackpot on February 14.

Edwin Castro was the fortunate newcomer to win over $2 billion after matching all 6 numbers: 10, 33, 41, 47, 56 and Powerball, 10.

Though he didn’t attend the press convention, Castro despatched a press release enthusiastically accepting the lump sum of $997.6 million.

Nevertheless, shortly after every week, the winner faces a lawsuit for alleged ticket theft.

Based on authorized paperwork obtained by Telemundo 52, José Rivera claims he was the one who bought the lottery ticket at Joe’s Service Middle in Altadena, Calif., on November 7, the day earlier than the $2.04 billion Powerball mega draw.

Within the 13-page doc, Rivera claims a person named Reggie “stolen” his ticket earlier that day. As well as, he asserted that Reggie had informed him that if he discovered the ticket he would give him half of the prize.

However Rivera claims within the lawsuit that he “refused extortion” and filed a theft criticism with the California Lottery demanding an investigation into the alleged theft earlier than awarding the prize.

The lawsuit was filed in opposition to the California Lottery, “Reggie” and Edwin Castro, and seeks to have Rivera declared the jackpot winner.

Nevertheless, the winner has already been introduced by the California Lottery, though it’s not but clear if Castro really gained the prize.

Winner from Washington State.

Caroline Baker, a spokeswoman for the California Lottery, despatched a press release saying:

“The California Lottery shouldn’t be approved to research felony exercise amongst its gamers; such complaints are topic to investigation by native police solely. Within the occasion {that a} native regulation enforcement company investigates such allegations, the Lottery’s sole function is to help with the matter by answering questions and / or present proof as permitted by regulation.”

Packer additionally stated that “in terms of the grand winner vetting course of, the California Lottery has the utmost confidence in its course of to take action. The California Lottery stays assured that Edwin Castro is the legit winner of the $2 billion prize derived from the November 2022 Powerball drawing.”

The lottery winner has already began to run into issues which have resulted in tragedies in different historic circumstances.