SACRAMENTO, May 19, 2005 -- California Lottery officials announced that Richard Martinez came into the Santa Fe Springs District Office today to claim his $56 million SuperLOTTO Plus jackpot!
“We are glad the mystery surrounding our $56 million jackpot winner is finally solved! He has been the subject of much attention after calling in to let us know that he would have to work a double shift instead of coming in to claim his $56 million jackpot,” said Chon Gutierrez, Acting Director of the California Lottery. “He is obviously a hard working man who now may be able to relax a little more, due to this newfound wealth!”
Martinez, who is single and in his 30s, knew he had won the night of the draw after stopping into a 7-Eleven to get the winning numbers. “I was working the graveyard shift at my security guard job. When I found out, I was shocked! The first thing I did was to call my mom and dad, they were very happy for me!” Martinez actually worked two jobs, the other being in administration for a government agency. Demonstrating the devoted employee he is, Martinez said, “I didn’t come in until today because I had to request and be approved for time off.” When asked if he still had two jobs, he replied, “No, I quit the security guard position, I think I’m going to need my sleep!”
Martinez selected the winning numbers 12, 43, 47, 14, 19 and MEGA 19. Obviously on a lucky streak…at the time of this claim, he also had a $1,000 claim for a Fantasy 5 prize! The retailer where he purchased his winning ticket is the Broadway Food Corner, which Martinez claims is one of his lucky places to buy tickets. “Besides that,” he said, “they treat you like family there, they are great people!” Those “great people” will get a small windfall themselves, winning $280,000 for selling the winning ticket.