27 May 2023 , 08:45
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A man who won a huge $2billion (£1.6million) lottery jackpot has been sued over claims that the lucky ticket was stolen.
Edwin Castro said he was "shocked and ecstatic" when he was identified as the winner of the prize in February.
But after he accepted the jackpot in one lump sum of $997.6million (£808million), a man named Jose Rivera filed a complaint to court saying the jackpot should be his as he claimed he had bought the winning ticket.
Mr Castro used the money to buy two lavish homes, a vintage $250,000 (£202,500) Porsche, and also hired three security guards to protect him around the clock.
After winning the jackpot, Mr Castro bought two houses (Diggzy/Jesal / SplashNews.com)According to the complaint, Mr Rivera purchased the lottery ticket for the $2.04billion Powerball draw on November 7 at Joe's Service Centre in Altadena, California, one day before the draw.
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Mr Rivera alleges that a man called Reggie, who has been identified as Urachi F. Romero, stole the ticket that same day - but the complaint did not detail how the alleged theft happened or how the ticket may have got to Mr Castro.
The plaintiff claimed he demanded Mr Romero return the ticket and then said that he had lost the ticket, but added that if he found it, they could split the winnings.
Mr Rivera then reported the alleged theft to the California Lottery Commission and to law enforcement.
Court papers were allegedly delivered to Mr Castro new $25million (£20million) home in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, where amenities include seven bedrooms, an infinity pool and a spa.
The papers were allegedly received by an unidentified male in his 50s, according to The US Sun.
It has been claimed that papers were served - but Mr Castro said he didn't receive them (Diggzy/Jesal / SplashNews.com)However, Mr Castro's legal team said the papers were not delivered to his client's home, but to his father, Edwin H. Castro.
Lawyers said: "The Edwin Castro served was not the winner of the Powerball jackpot referenced in the complaint."
Legal papers also said Mr Rivera failed to link Mr Castro and the co-defendant, saying: "There are no facts as to how Edwin Castro came into possession of the winning Powerball ticket from 'Reggie.'"
A hearing is set for July 19 to discuss claims that Mr Castro was never personally issued a summons, reports NBC News.
Powerball tickets cost $2 (£1.6) and winners can choose whether to receive the full amount in an annuity paid over 29 years or get an upfront cash payment instead.
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Winners need to pay federal taxes of between 24% and 37% and in most cases, state taxes. However, 10 states including California do not have state taxes on lottery winnings.