A local undocumented immigrant who claims he was scammed after hitting a lottery jackpot is facing a new legal challenge.
Ramon Ortiz is being detained by immigration authorities, his lawyer said.
Ortiz hit the lottery in Maryland two years ago. Because he doesn't have a Social Security number, he asked a coworker to claim the $450,000 lottery payout for him. He said that coworker kept the money.
Ortiz and his wife filed a lawsuit alleging fraud.
Their attorney said the fraud case will move forward while Ortiz's immigration status is decided.
The coworker’s attorney insists his client did not take anyone’s money. He said there was a confidential agreement between the two.
