Lotto Jackpot Winner and the Win that Almost Wasn’t
After the accidental purchase, Peabody then left the ticket in an old purse tucked away in her closet for nearly a month. Peabody said she found the ticket later and held onto it yet another month before remembering to check the numbers.
"I am so blessed that I won!" Peabody exclaimed as she held the check in her hand for the first time. She received $175,000 after federal and state tax withholdings. With her winnings, Peabody said she will create a college fund for her 9-year-old daughter.
Peabody purchased the winning ticket at Siegen Super Stop in Baton Rouge. The store will receive a selling bonus of $2,500, which is one percent of the jackpot prize.
The Lottery recommends players check their tickets immediately after a drawing. Players may not realize that even if they don't win a jackpot prize, there are other prizes that they may have won. Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing.
Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. 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.