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$75 million Powerball lottery jackpot claimed by N.C. prison guard
Powerball: $75 million Powerball lottery jackpot claimed by N.C. prison guard
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For more than two months, Jackie Alston quietly celebrated her winning Powerball ticket, quitting her job at a state prison and then putting together a team of financial advisers. The 38-year-old single mom was ready to take the party public — sort of — on Friday when she stepped forward to claim her $74.5 million prize. Alston appeared briefly at a news conference to discuss her win and smile for the cameras before pulling away in a stretch Ford Excursion limousine. She wouldn't say where she was headed or how she would spend the money. So far, she's enjoyed staying out of the limelight. "I've just been living normal. People have been noticing me, but they don't really know, you know, so it's just been fun," she said. Alston bought the ticket at a Shell gas station in Halifax County, about 15 miles from the Virginia border. She looked at her Powerball numbers only after hearing news reports that the winning ticket was sold in Halifax County. "I had to call my brother and have him check it two or three times," Alston said. "It was exciting. I mean it was just overwhelming." Alston's ticket was the only one drawn in the multistate game to match all five numbers — 2, 8, 9, 12 and 19 — and the Powerball, 25, in the Nov. 29 drawing. She said the numbers represented the ages of children in her family. Alston had stashed the ticket in a safety-deposit box at the bank until Friday morning. Under Powerball rules, she had until May 29 to pick up her winnings, or the prize money would have been redistributed to all participating states.
Alston decided to take her winnings in a lump sum, about $36 million before taxes.  Alston worked for 15 years as a corrections officer at Brunswick Correctional Center in Lawrenceville, Va., about an hour's drive away from Halifax, before quitting in December.
Reporters asked plenty of questions Friday, but Alston verified only that she's single and has children. "Boy, are they going to be calling for you," one reporter told her. "We're ready," she said with a laugh. Lottery officials were nearly as excited, decorating their headquarters with colorful balloons and firing confetti into the air as Alston accepted a large ceremonial check. "We hope it will interest a few more players in trying their luck," lottery director Tom Shaheen said of Alston's win. About 30 states participate in Powerball, which was launched in North Carolina on May 30. Alston is the first Powerball jackpot winner in the state.
Wire Reports, Lottery Post Staff
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20 comments. Last comment 3 years ago by .
Holt MI United States Member #2283 September 4, 2003 53 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 9:09 am - IP Logged |
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A very sensible woman. As a former prison guard she must know she is now a target for a lot of her former clients. Looks like she is taking it slow and easy, and not making a lot of frenzied moves. I still, as a former guard would not have put my face out there, but I'm sure her family will keep her grounded and vigilant.
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md United States Member #14305 April 20, 2005 442 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 9:48 am - IP Logged |
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I hope the best for her. I hope she moves away. Particularly because of her former employment, she needs to move as far away as possible or she could end up in tragic circumstances. So far so good.
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$$Money Magnet$$ North Carolina United States Member #4366 April 9, 2004 11914 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 10:12 am - IP Logged |
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Congrats Ms. Alston!!!! We look forward to you not being in the news regarding this anymore unless it's something positive! Don't be like some of the ones that win and we know them by name because of all the nonsense.
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United States Member #15415 May 10, 2005 317 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 11:13 am - IP Logged |
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Congrats Miss Alston. It looks like you took the time to get all your ducks in a row. I hope the money will allow you to follow your dreams!
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New Member  Kearny, NJ United States Member #50319 February 17, 2007 4 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 11:50 am - IP Logged |
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For more than two months, Jackie Alston quietly celebrated her winning Powerball ticket, quitting her job at a state prison and then putting together a team of financial advisers. The 38-year-old single mom was ready to take the party public — sort of — on Friday when she stepped forward to claim her $74.5 million prize. Alston appeared briefly at a news conference to discuss her win and smile for the cameras before pulling away in a stretch Ford Excursion limousine. She wouldn't say where she was headed or how she would spend the money. So far, she's enjoyed staying out of the limelight. "I've just been living normal. People have been noticing me, but they don't really know, you know, so it's just been fun," she said. Alston bought the ticket at a Shell gas station in Halifax County, about 15 miles from the Virginia border. She looked at her Powerball numbers only after hearing news reports that the winning ticket was sold in Halifax County. "I had to call my brother and have him check it two or three times," Alston said. "It was exciting. I mean it was just overwhelming." Alston's ticket was the only one drawn in the multistate game to match all five numbers — 2, 8, 9, 12 and 19 — and the Powerball, 25, in the Nov. 29 drawing. She said the numbers represented the ages of children in her family. Alston had stashed the ticket in a safety-deposit box at the bank until Friday morning. Under Powerball rules, she had until May 29 to pick up her winnings, or the prize money would have been redistributed to all participating states.
Alston decided to take her winnings in a lump sum, about $36 million before taxes. Alston worked for 15 years as a corrections officer at Brunswick Correctional Center in Lawrenceville, Va., about an hour's drive away from Halifax, before quitting in December. Reporters asked plenty of questions Friday, but Alston verified only that she's single and has children. "Boy, are they going to be calling for you," one reporter told her. "We're ready," she said with a laugh. Lottery officials were nearly as excited, decorating their headquarters with colorful balloons and firing confetti into the air as Alston accepted a large ceremonial check. "We hope it will interest a few more players in trying their luck," lottery director Tom Shaheen said of Alston's win. About 30 states participate in Powerball, which was launched in North Carolina on May 30. Alston is the first Powerball jackpot winner in the state. Hello, everyone! Been in the background now for over 4 years, and decided to come out of the closet (a figure of speech). I have enjoyed your posts, and just maybe, I might add some of my own, although I am a man of few words. Hal PS-As all of you are, I am waiting and hoping to hit the BIG ONE, just like Jackie Alston!
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Gurnee, Illinois United States Member #50189 February 12, 2007 343 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 12:34 pm - IP Logged |
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I have always wondered if jackpot winners continue to seek advice and investment guidance from their current financial professional or if they "upgrade/replace" their advisory team. Although some of my clients have "won" big in other areas, none have won any lottery jackpots. Despite that, I still enjoy working with what people term "the middle class" as it is satisfying to see people become financially independent without even winning something like the lottery or a major lawsuit. Forget the formulas...you only win when you're lucky! I'm one lucky mofo...NOW give me MONEY!
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Denver, CO United States Member #13716 April 6, 2005 68 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 2:50 pm - IP Logged |
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Congrats to her. Its good to see that she thought about things before jumping in & claiming her prize. Ladyluck2005
Carpe Diem
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Wandering Aimlessly United States Member #25708 November 5, 2005 4379 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 3:12 pm - IP Logged |
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Regarding her photo in the news, I don't think she had a choice. We live in a crazy world. However, there are many people who have a lot more than $36 million. After state & fed taxes she will probably end up with about $21M. If she's been a smart, tough lady for years, I'm guessing she'll do just fine. Good luck to her and her family! Just wanted to add: "She said the numbers represented the ages of children in her family." I've been using a similiar "method" for years and people tell me I'm crazy.
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Nashville, Tn United States Member #39102 May 3, 2006 300 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 4:13 pm - IP Logged |
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she seems like she is tough as nails when she wants to be. I don't think that she will get into any "trouble". She worked for 15YRS!!!!!! as a prison guard........ I mean that just screams DONT MESS WITH ME OR I'LL PUT YOU IN THE HOLE FOR A WEEK.....lol  waiting patiently for my jackpot
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Coastal Georgia United States Member #2703 October 30, 2003 1868 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 7:42 pm - IP Logged |
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Regarding her photo in the news, I don't think she had a choice. We live in a crazy world. However, there are many people who have a lot more than $36 million. After state & fed taxes she will probably end up with about $21M. If she's been a smart, tough lady for years, I'm guessing she'll do just fine. Good luck to her and her family! Just wanted to add: "She said the numbers represented the ages of children in her family." I've been using a similiar "method" for years and people tell me I'm crazy. I have my own numbers too.
You are certainly not crazy JXP...
I was glad to see 2 things from this story:
1: Sensibility from a winner
2: Not a quik pik
...DD
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Atlanta, GA United States Member #1288 March 13, 2003 2616 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 8:09 pm - IP Logged |
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Congratulations to a very sensible lady .... WTG, good for her and her family!! 
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United States Member #983 December 30, 2002 448 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 10:55 pm - IP Logged |
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If she's as smart and sensible as she sounds we won't see her name in the news again.
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New Member Newark, New Jersey United States Member #14880 April 29, 2005 2 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 17, 2007, 11:40 pm - IP Logged |
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YOU GO GIRL... DO YOU BOO! Please keep the hounds back... You will be surprised by all the men who will suddenly be in love with you.. (your money) Much success to you and yours.. now go out and buy yourself something pretty!  Take care! 
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Atlanta United States Member #29025 December 20, 2005 5583 Posts Offline |
| Posted: February 18, 2007, 12:18 am - IP Logged |
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W T G!  Smart bets...... Equal Phat Pocket$!
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