SACRAMENTO – California State Lottery officials are excited to announce that Mr. Thomas Thornton is California’s 4th MEGA Millions winner. Mr. Thornton came forward today to claim his $34 million jackpot.
“I am stunned, shocked and excited,” explained Mr. Thornton. “I have worked hard all my life, and will continue to do so, but this jackpot will allow me to lend a hand to members of my family in need of a little extra help and do many special things for my wife.”
Mr. Thornton learned Monday night that someone in La Quinta bought the winning ticket but retired to bed without checking his numbers. When he woke he checked the numbers on the California Lottery’s website, www.calottery.com, and found out the amazing news! His numbers were the winning combination of 27, 30, 36, 38, 45 and the MEGA number 13.
Mr. Thornton chose the cash option and will receive a lump sum payment of approximately $17 million (before federal tax withholding). La Quinta Liquor & Deli will receive a bonus of $170,000 for selling the winning ticket.
Since MEGA Millions began, there have been four MEGA Millions jackpots won in California, including the historic $315 million jackpot won on November 15, 2005. California schools receive at least 34% of all lottery sales and have received more than $1 billion annually from the California State Lottery for the past five consecutive years.