Can you imagine winning a life-changing lottery jackpot only for store workers to steal it from you? That's what Paul Little, a diesel mechanic from Massachusetts, United States, has been going through for the last six months.
On January 17, 2023, Little visited the Lakeville Market & Liquors and purchased two Mega Millions Quick Picks and two Mass Cash tickets, along with a bag of barbeque potato chips. And to receive the maximum possible win, the mechanic added a multiplier. Paul didn't know that this decision could change his family's fortunes.
Unfortunately for the player, two convenience store employees plotted to steal the ticket after realizing it had won $3 million. Paul bought and marked the winning ticket before leaving it at the lottery store. According to the authorities, Paul assumed he had lost the lottery game.
But he can now breathe easy after authorities recovered the ticket, allowing him to claim his $3 million prize. The two convenience store employees were arrested last month after they were caught openly quarreling about how to divide the loot. The Massachusetts man finally claimed his $3 million lottery prize on Friday, June 30, 2023.
Authorities believe that Carly Nunes (23) and one of her coworkers devised a scheme to steal the ticket. The duo headed to the headquarters of the Mass Lottery, a regulated lottery operator, to claim the money, where their plan fell apart.
After collecting his win in Dorchester, Paul Little declared his wish to pay off his mortgage and donate part of the money to charity. Before finding Little, the regulated lottery operator launched a flyer campaign around the store.
Here is what Paul told CBS Boston:
“I've got to say, I'm pretty excited today because it's real today with the check in hand. It really gave me a greater appreciation for what the Mass Lottery does as far as making sure the right people get the award. I can't say enough for all the people who helped me get to this point.”
Initially, Paul assumed he had misplaced the million-dollar ticket and was unaware he had left it in the store until officials visited him. He only learned he was the newest millionaire in town after being questioned as part of the inquiry. Mr. Little plans to continue with his job as a diesel mechanic.
