Texas Lottery Tells Cheated Winner, “Tough Luck”
View Mobile Site
Save Email Print
Texas Lottery Tells Cheated Winner, “Tough Luck”
The Texas Lottery won’t pay a $1 million jackpot winner who was evidently cheated out of his prize when a store clerk stole his winning ticket.
Font Size:

AUSTIN (November 3, 2009)--An attorney for a Texas man who lost out on a $1 million jackpot after a clerk evidently stole his winning ticket says the Texas Lottery Commission still considers the store clerk who allegedly stole the ticket to be the winner.

Willis Willis lost out on the jackpot when the clerk evidently cashed in his winning lottery ticket and disappeared.

Willis' lawyer, Sean E. Brown, says commission attorneys told the Willis, who’s 67 and unemployed, that the clerk is considered the winner because he signed the back of the lottery ticket.

Commission spokesman Bobby Heith declined comment to the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News.

The Associated Press left a message Monday night.

Authorities are still trying to find the former clerk, who is charged with claiming a lottery prize by fraud.

Authorities believe Pankaj Joshi, who’s now indicted on a charge of claiming a lottery prize by fraud, fled to Nepal after about $750,000 was transferred to him.

About half of the money has been recovered from U.S. banks.

Prosecutor Patricia Robertson said money is being held.

Some of it will eventually be returned to Willis, she said.


Latest Comments

Posted by: JR Location: here on Nov 4, 2009 at 09:56 AM

Store clerks and lottery commission folks, can not purchase tickets or scratchers while on the clock. Tr ue or False?
Posted by: Fred Location: Waco on Nov 4, 2009 at 08:04 AM

Hey no, thats my ticket wait a minute. Whats going on?
Posted by: JT Location: Waco on Nov 4, 2009 at 06:31 AM

The crook wins! Welcome to America!
Video
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


FSR/Call Center - Genco Federal Credit Union is currently seeking a full time Financial Service Representative for their call center. We offer great benefits and a friendly work environment. If you enjoy working with customers and possess a strong work ethic, we're looking for you!

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com:
View More Jobs.
AP Video