Baton Rouge Attorney Claims $85.7 Million Jackpot Prize on Behalf of 11-Member Family Partnership
Bayhi described his clients as "hardworking, faith-filled Asian Americans who have lived in the Baton Rouge community for over 20 years." He said the family members, who range from students to business owners, plan to continue working, donate to charitable causes that are dear to them, share with additional family members and upgrade to nicer homes.
"They're on cloud nine right now and have spent many sleepless nights since winning," said Bayhi.
This latest winning ticket brings the total number of Powerball jackpot winning tickets sold in Louisiana to 14 since the Lottery joined the multistate game in 1995. It is also the second-largest single amount won in Louisiana Lottery history. The last time a Powerball jackpot-winning ticket was sold in Baton Rouge was February 2005.
"It's another exciting day at the Lottery," said Lottery President Rose Hudson. "One of the best parts of our job is getting to hear Louisiana winners' stories and share in their life-changing experiences."
Bayhi said the family had been playing the Lottery since its inception and had a long-standing agreement to share winnings. The partnership will receive $32,039,340 after state and federal tax withholdings.
The winning ticket was sold at Circle K #1905, 9110 Airline Hwy. in Baton Rouge. The store received a one-time bonus of $25,000 for selling the winning ticket. The winning numbers for the July 31 drawing were 1-16-17-41-57 and the Powerball was 15. The winning ticket contained 10 sets of Quick Pick Powerball numbers; the jackpot-winning numbers were the last set of numbers.
The largest Powerball jackpot won in Louisiana was a $97 million prize claimed by Carl Hunter of Metairie from a drawing in January 2008. The Powerball jackpot was last won in Louisiana on May 31, 2008, by Emelia Delgado of Kenner.
According to the Lottery, the advertised Powerball jackpot represents an estimate of the annuity prize amount, which is paid in 30 graduated installments that increase by 4 percent each year. The first installment is paid at the time the prize is claimed. Winners also have the option to take a one-time lump sum payment equal to the cash value of the jackpot prize pool. Winners have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim a prize, and jackpot winners have up to 60 days after claiming the prize to decide on the prize payment option.
The Lottery encourages responsible play and urges anyone or friends of anyone with a gambling problem to call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help.