Virginia man wins $200 million Mega Million jackpot
A Virginia man has claimed a $200 million Mega Millions jackpot, nearly five months after winning the prize.
Virginia lottery officials say Steve Williams of Shenandoah waited to cash in his winning ticket until after he could meet with financial and legal advisers and plan his future. The drawing was on Oct. 16, 2009.
Williams elected to take the cash option of $125 million, rather than receive the full amount paid out over 26 years.
His check was presented on Friday during a ceremony at James Madison University in Harrisonburg.
-- Associated Press
By
Washington Post editors
| March 12, 2010; 1:45 PM ET
Categories:
Virginia
Save & Share:
Previous: Flooding forces closure of two Frederick roads
Next: Dolphin born at the National Aquarium
Posted by: jckdoors | March 12, 2010 2:04 PM | Report abuse
Or perhaps he's elderly or unhealthy. Might have calculated that he's not likely to live many more years. Without knowing him and his situation, it's not really fair to judge.
Posted by: nan_lynn | March 12, 2010 3:25 PM | Report abuse
I'd say that up to this point, he is handling the situation wisely. There are many out there who would claim the cash immediately, tell everyone they know about it, buy an Escalade with 22" rims and party until they are broke. This guy waited five months and carefully made plans before claiming his prize. I doubt he will be broke in 3 years.
Posted by: GP04 | March 12, 2010 3:41 PM | Report abuse
Good for him. He did what most lottery winners should do and that is get professional help FIRST
Posted by: Bious | March 14, 2010 12:10 AM | Report abuse
5 months is too long. One should be able to get all the advice needed in one month. During the following four months this person lost about 200,000 dollars of interest income!
Posted by: MidUSA2010 | March 14, 2010 9:32 PM | Report abuse
So we have our MegaMillions winner and the latest rumour is that he used this site to win: http://www.beatmegamillions.com
Posted by: majster_sveta | March 17, 2010 6:25 AM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
He'll be broke in 3 years. Should have taken the yearly payout.