Westwego Resident Claims $475,000 Lotto Jackpot

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When Eddie Barnes Jr. arrived at Bollinger Ship Yard Thursday morning and saw two of his co-workers waiting at the gate for him, he became concerned that something was wrong. His heart raced even more when they announced that their Lotto ticket had matched all six numbers drawn Aug. 22 to win the $508,285 jackpot.

"They took me into my office and told me I needed to sit down," said Barnes, age 55.  "I was worried that someone got hurt or something, and that was when they said that we won the Lotto jackpot."  Barnes plans to split the prize money with his two co-workers, James Johnson and David Bernard.

The group purchased their winning ticket at Danny's Discount on Westbank Expressway in Marrero, where Barnes said they regularly purchase Lotto and Powerball tickets. The store will receive a one-time bonus of $5,082, or one percent of the jackpot prize for selling the winning ticket.

Barnes said he and his coworkers each have plans for the winnings, which totaled more than $355,000 after state and federal taxes withholdings.  "Right now I am going to put mine in the bank and let it grow," he explained.  "But maybe I'll take a little out for a new stove and refrigerator soon, as cooking is one of my favorite activities."

The winning numbers for the Aug. 22 Lotto drawing were 8-19-27-31-33-38.

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. The Lottery encourages anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem to call toll free 1-877-770-7867.