A local Pomona man who pulled his winning lottery numbers “straight from a hat” is
now set to receive $20,000 monthly for the next two decades. While in the same
week across the globe, a bizarre case unfolds involving French thieves who
unwittingly purchased a winning ticket with a stolen credit card.
The Pomona resident, who has chosen to remain anonymous, held the only division
one winning entry in Set for Life draw 3490 on 24 February, securing a total windfall
of $4.8 million to be paid in monthly instalments over 20 years.
“Oh, my goodness. You’ve got me all nervous now,” the winner told lottery officials
after initially dodging their calls. “Did I really win $20,000 a month for 20 years?!”
The Pomona resident revealed his unconventional method for selecting the lucky
numbers. “Believe it or not, I chose my numbers by writing them all down and putting
them in a hat. Then I just picked them out and I’ve used them ever since,” he
explained. “It’s crazy I know! I’ve used those same numbers for years now.”
The semi-retired winner plans to embrace full retirement with his wife, following the
life-changing windfall. “We’re semi-retired but I think this will be the push to put us in
full retirement,” he said. “Thank you so much. I appreciate this more than you know.”
His winning Pick 5 entry was purchased on The Lott website, marking the 26th Set
for Life division one winner nationally since the game’s inception.
Meanwhile in France, a lottery win has sparked an unusual manhunt and ethical
dilemma after thieves used a stolen bank card to purchase a winning ticket worth
€500,000 (AU$823,000).
According to the Associated Press, the victim, identified only as Jean-David E.,
discovered his backpack containing his bank cards and identification documents had
been stolen from his car in Toulouse.
After notifying his bank about the theft, Jean-David learned his card had already
been used at a local shop. Upon visiting the establishment, a shop assistant
informed him that two apparently homeless men had used his card to purchase what
turned out to be a winning lottery ticket.
“They were so totally happy that they forgot their cigarettes and their belongings and
walked out like crazy people,” Pierre Debuisson, Jean-David’s lawyer, told the
Associated Press.
In a surprising turn of events, rather than seeking prosecution, Jean-David has
offered to split the winnings with the thieves if they come forward with his wallet.
“Without them, no one would have won,” Jean-David said on France’s public
broadcaster France-2.
The lawyer has launched a national appeal asking the perpetrators to contact his
office. “You risk nothing … we will share with you,” Pierre said. “And you would be
able to change your lives.”
As of last weekend, La Francaise des Jeux (FDJ), the French state lottery operator,
confirmed the winning ticket remains unclaimed, leaving the substantial prize in
limbo.
Time appears to be working against both the thieves and Jean-David, as the ticket
will eventually expire if not claimed.
Legal experts suggest French prosecutors may attempt to seize the winnings,
considering them illegally obtained gains, adding further complexity to this already
extraordinary lottery tale.
While the Pomona winner prepares for two decades of financial security thanks to
his lucky hat trick, the French thieves face a dilemma between claiming their ill-
gotten fortune and facing potential prosecution.