Montegut Man Claims $1 Million Powerball Prize Before Ticket Expired

Laine Aucoin stepped forward Wednesday to claim a $1 million Louisiana Lottery Powerball prize won on Aug. 5, 2015, just days before the ticket was due to expire on Feb. 1.

The 53-year-old Montegut resident’s ticket matched all five white-ball numbers but missed the red Powerball number in the Aug. 5, 2015 drawing.

He received $700,000 after federal and state taxes were withheld. The winning ticket was purchased at Pointe-Aux-Chenes Supermarket in Montegut. The store received a one-time selling bonus of $10,000, which is 1 percent of the prize.

In August, Pointe-Aux-Chenes Supermarket owners Alcee and Donna Dupre told the Lottery they were anxiously awaiting the winner to step forward. Now, Donna Dupre said she’s just happy someone finally stepped forward to claim the prize and that the winner was a local resident.

“We’re happy about that,” Donna Dupre said. “I would have hated to see no one claim it.”

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. Anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem should call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help.

For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing. More information about other Powerball winners can be found on the Lottery’s website, www.louisianalottery.com.