Great-Grandfather Claims $144M Jackpot

WASHINGTON -- A frequent lottery player in his 80s claimed last month's $144 million Powerball jackpot, representatives said Monday.

The native Washingtonian is taking the one-time payout and setting up an education trust fund for his family. A widower, he has 10 children and 47 grand and great-grandchildren, whom he only told of his good fortune on Sunday.

The man wishes to keep his identity secret. Calls requesting money already are pouring in, his attorney, David Wilmot, said.

Wilmot accepted the lump-sum payment of $79.6 million on behalf of Rockson LLC, a corporation created to protect the man's identity. He described the new millionaire as active in the community.

Wilmot's client also has formed trusts to provide health care for his family and contribute money to charitable causes.
 

The winning ticket for the April 8 drawing was sold at the Giant on Alabama Avenue in Southeast.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us