The Winner Claims Lotto Mega-Prize
The winner of one of the largest single-state jackpots in U.S. history has finally come forward to claim the $141-million prize, state lottery officials said Thursday night.
Cario Castellano of San Jose arrived at the lottery’s San Francisco district office late Thursday afternoon with the winning ticket.
Despite a media blitz when the winning numbers were announced, no one immediately stepped forward.
On Monday, lottery officials in Sacramento waited in vain for the winner to emerge. And they continued to wait--until 4:40 p.m., Thursday.
Castellano, who is retired from the grocery business, chose the cash option. He will receive about $71 million within the next six weeks, officials said.
Lottery spokeswoman Norma Minas said Castellano was quiet when he turned in his ticket.
He was accompanied by several family members, one of whom videotaped Castellano turning in his ticket to a lottery official.
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