Inside Edwin Castro’s lottery controversy after the world’s richest Powerball winner sued for his $2 billion jackpot
POWERBALL winner Edwin Castro’s luck is in jeopardy after he is named in a lawsuit alleging his life-changing lottery ticket was stolen from what appears to be its rightful owner.
Castro30, won the largest jackpot in American history when he lotto The ticket matched the winning numbers for $2.04 billion California power ball in November 2022.
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The Altadena native opted for the one-time lump sum payment of $997.6 million instead of the annual payments.
However, The US Sun has now learned that legal documents have been served on the newly minted billionaire at his newly acquired $25 million bachelor pad.
In the lawsuit, first filed in Alhambra Superior Court in February, plaintiff Jose Rivera claims he was the one who bought the big-buck ticket.
He claims he bought it from Joe’s Service Center in Altadena the day before the November 8 draw.
Rivera claims it was stolen that same day by a man named “Reggie,” who has since been identified as Urachi F. Romero and is listed as a co-defendant in court documents viewed by The US Sun.
The plaintiff claims he asked Romero to return the ticket, but Romero refused, saying he had lost it but if he found it they could share the prize.
Rivera claims he refused to be blackmailed and reported the alleged theft to the commission and law enforcement.
The Los Angeles The County Sheriff and the Los Angeles Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The US Sun.
Carolyn Becker, a California Lottery representative, previously stated, “When it comes to the verification process for big winners, the California Lottery has the utmost confidence in their process.”
“California Lottery remains confident that Edwin Castro is the legitimate winner of the $2.04 billion prize from the November 2022 Powerball drawing.”
HEARING AID
Despite the claim, the lawsuit continues as Rivera seeks to sue the California State Lottery Commission, Castro and Romero.
Proof of delivery was filed on May 17 showing Court The papers were presented to Castro at his new home in the Hollywood Hills and received by an unidentified man, the latest update said.
A copy of the subpoena, complaint and other documents related to the case was delivered April 25 to a Hispanic man in his 50s at Castro’s disclosed address above the Sunset Strip, the filing said.
Counsel noted in the documents: “The person said we were supplying the wrong Edwin Castro. I advised the person to contact the attorney with any questions or concerns.”
A case management conference and evidentiary hearing is now scheduled for July 24 at the courthouse in Alhambra, California, at which Rivera will be represented by attorneys Estela Richeda and Brian Kramer.
Court filings do not yet list an attorney for Castro, and he declined to comment on the lawsuit and his historic victory – the largest in history – when The US Sun spoke to him.
Also, no attorney for the California Lottery Commission or Romero is listed as The US Sun attempts to reach the defendants.
increase wealth
After the life-changing victory Castro wasted no time wasting his fortune.
He has given his life a significant boost by building a real estate portfolio after buying two villas in a month.
Castro immediately traded his run-down one-bedroom home in Altadena for a $25 million Hollywood mansion with prime neighbors.
His hillside estate is 13,578 square feet and features an outdoor kitchen, gym, wine cellar and infinity pool with breathtaking views over the city.
Among his neighbors is singer Ariana Grande And Jimmy Kimmel.
Castro bought the house less than a month after receiving the money.
The property is located behind the Chateau Marmont, is three stories high and has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and powder rooms, a bar and a games room.
It also features a cinema, sauna and two separate garages that can accommodate up to seven cars.
One of his spots will be a haven for his new vintage white Porsche 911, which he spotted cruising around California.
Castro spent $250,000 on the classic white convertible, which went into production in 1964 and features a roaring engine capable of a top speed of 130 miles per hour.
His new lifestyle also requires 24-hour security.
Castro, who has stayed away from the limelight and is rarely seen in public, is said to have hired three bodyguards to look after him and his belongings around the clock New York Post.
Despite keeping a relatively low profile, he was recently spotted grinning from ear to ear as he exited a bank with a thick envelope.
In exclusive photos obtained by The US Sun, Castro was spotted meeting Hollywood interior design specialist Marina Darselia outside the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood as he prepared to decorate his new home.
Despite opting for a lump sum payment of nearly $1 billion after taxes, Castro didn’t wear designer clothes on his shopping spree.
Instead, he opted for a casual attire in baggy black sweatpants, open-toed flip-flops and a black short-sleeved t-shirt with “Gas Monkey Garage,” a popular auto show, written in yellow.
Upon arrival at the site In a chauffeur-driven black SUV, he greeted the interior designer and the couple headed inside for about an hour.
In a series of snaps, Castro can be seen trying out a pool table and cracking jokes while playing shuffleboard while chatting with the sales staff at 11 Ravens Billiards convenience store.
It is not known if he ordered high-quality tables from the shop, but he was seen watching an assistant enter details into her computer during a lengthy conversation.
Castro wore his waist-length dark hair pulled back in a low ponytail and was pictured leaning over a table while trying it out and taking a picture with a cue stick.
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