Plaquemine Man Collects $250,000 Mega Millions Prize from Two-Month-Old Ticket

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For Joseph Pollet Jr., it's better late than never. The 49-year-old Plaquemine resident just realized he won a $250,000 Mega Millions prize from two months ago.

"I just got around to checking my ticket!" an excited Pollet shared. "I can't wait to show my daughter the check; she's never going to believe it!" Still a little stunned himself, the 49-year-old said he plans to pay off his home and bills with the winnings.

Pollet's ticket matched all five of the white ball numbers drawn on March 2, but missed the yellow Mega Ball number, to win $250,000. Pollet received $175,000 after federal and state taxes were withheld. The winning numbers for the March 2 drawing were 16-29-48-52-54 and the Mega Ball number was 5.

Pollet purchased his winning ticket from Phillip's Lane #454 on Highway 1 South in Port Allen. The retailer will receive a selling a bonus of $2,500, or 1 percent of the prize, for selling Pollet his winning ticket.

Lottery 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.