California couple claims prize in record Powerball jackpot
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A California couple has claimed a $528.8 million share of a record Powerball jackpot from January and pledged to give much of it to charity.
Flanked by security, Marvin and Mae Acosta went to a state lottery office in Van Nuys on Friday to claim their winnings from the record $1.6 billion Powerball drawing, lottery officials disclosed today.
In a statement, the Acostas said they are dedicating nearly all of the prize money to a trust and charities.
"We are thankful and blessed for the rare gift that has been placed in our care," the statement said.
Traverso described the Acostas as a younger couple with two children. No additional details were released because they requested privacy.
The couple will take their winnings in a cash option totaling $327.8 million before federal taxes, lottery officials said.
The Acostas bought their ticket six months ago at a 7-Eleven in Chino Hills, Calif., about 35 miles east of Los Angeles. It was one of three winning tickets sold for the Jan. 13 drawing. Winners in Florida and Tennessee came forward within days to claim their prize money.