Potential Imposter of $2 Billion Powerball Winner May Face Legal Action, Authorities Note
A man from Altadena, California, who asserted he was entitled to the world's biggest lottery prize could be facing a charge for filing a false police report, according to The US Sun.
Jose Rivera filed a lawsuit against $2.08 billion Powerball winner Edwin Castro in February 2023, only a week later claiming the prize. Rivera argued that he, not Castro, purchased the golden ticket from Joe's Service Center in Altadena, California, on November 7, 2022. He alleged that his former landlord, Urachi F. “Reggie” Romero, had stolen it from him.
In a chat with The New York Post in May, Romero claimed he believed Rivera did possess the winning ticket. He justified Rivera's chosen numbers: 10, 33, 41, 47, 56, and red Powerball 10.
"I asked him why he picked two 10s. He said it was the date his parents both passed away. He picked 47 because that's his age," Romero told The Post. "He also said his dad had always wanted a 1956 Chevy truck, so he picked 56. He told me the meaning behind each number before the draw."
Winning Numbers
However, Romero refuted taking the ticket and any involvement with Castro. He stated he had no knowledge of how the ticket landed in Castro's hands.
The California Lottery previously expressed confidence in Castro as the rightful winner but clarified they were not permitted to examine potential criminal activities among its players.
By June, the Pasadena Police Department reopened a formal investigation into the matter – initially closed – and collaborated with California Lottery investigators.
New Turn of Events
City of Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian reportedly informed The US Sun on Wednesday of a new development in the case.
Derderian mentioned that investigators believe Rivera lied about his stolen ticket and are preparing to take action.
"I've just been informed that our police department handed over the documentation to our City Prosecutor for potential misdemeanor charges for filing a false police report," she claimed.
Castro's lawyers have remained adamant in denying Rivera's claims, and he's been indulging in luxury properties in Los Angeles, reports indicate.
They include a $47 million complex in Bel Air with seven bedrooms, 11 baths, and an infinity pool with incredible views of downtown LA.
"We really don't care about what's happening between those two (Rivera and Romero), since it doesn't implicate us except for being in the court," Castro's lawyer, David De Paoli, stated last month.
"Eventually, it's going to be apparent that Edwin G. Castro is the true owner of the ticket," De Paoli added.
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Source: www.casino.org
