Cal Lottery Moves to Dismiss Man’s $394 Million Jackpot Claim

LOS ANGELES – The California Attorney General’s Office is pushing for the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a man claiming he is owed half of a $394 million lottery jackpot from late 2023, despite allegedly losing his second winning ticket.

The plaintiff, Faramarz Lahijani, asserts in his lawsuit—filed in Los Angeles Superior Court—that he purchased two identical winning Mega Millions tickets for the Dec. 8, 2023 draw at a Chevron station on Ventura Boulevard in Encino. He contends he has already been granted 50% of the jackpot but is entitled to the other half as well.

According to Lahijani, the numbers—21, 26, 53, 66, 70, and the Mega number 13—were ones he had been playing for 30 years, originally selected by his children.

State’s Argument for Dismissal

However, in court documents filed Monday ahead of an Oct. 29 hearing, a deputy attorney general representing the California Lottery Commission argues that the claim is legally invalid.

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“Under California law and the Mega Millions game rules, no prize can be awarded without a valid winning ticket being presented,” the state’s legal filing asserts.

Lahijani has acknowledged that he no longer possesses the second ticket and that the deadline to claim it remains Dec. 8, 2024.

Legal Action and Compensation Demands

Lahijani initiated legal proceedings by filing a breach of contract lawsuit on Dec. 6, just two days after submitting a claim to the lottery commission. He is now seeking an additional $197 million, arguing that as the sole purchaser of both winning tickets, he is the rightful recipient of the entire jackpot.

The case will be reviewed in the upcoming court hearing as Lahijani attempts to convince the judge that he deserves the remaining prize despite the missing ticket .

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Lailyah Duncan

Lailyah Duncan is an insightful writer at The Chieftain Spear, where she explores themes of culture, resilience, and community through compelling storytelling. Passionate about bringing diverse perspectives to light, Lailyah's work reflects a deep commitment to empowering voices and fostering meaningful conversations. With a talent for weaving narrative and purpose, she continues to inspire her readers with thought-provoking articles that celebrate heritage and advocate for positive change.

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