Powerball: $260M Powerball lottery jackpot claimed by S.C. retiree
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The wait is over to discover who won the massive $260 million Powerball multi-state lottery jackpot last Wednesday night.
This afternoon at a news conference held at the Lottery's Columbia claims center on Assembly Street, the lucky winner was revealed to be a retired South Carolina state employee who spent two bucks for Powerball tickets.
Solomon Jackson Jr., of Columbia, refused Tuesday to say much about himself or his plans, including whether he will take his winnings annually over three decades or in a $129 million lump sum.
Jackson did reveal he was an assistant supervisor for the state Revenue Department who retired in 2000. He said he is married but would not say how many children he has.
Jackson did say he doesn't think the money will change him. He bought his winning ticket and at a gas station after shopping at a nearby Wal-Mart in Columbia.
The Powerball jackpot is the largest ever won with a ticket bought in South Carolina, which has the nation's fifth-highest state unemployment rate.
"It's a beautiful day for education in South Carolina," Jackson said, "I've always supported education, and I've always supported higher education."
Jackson attended Richland County public schools.
"If I can justify this, only God knows what is ahead," Jackson said. "Someone has anticipated a change, but I'll still be Solomon."
"Somebody's going to be blessed for me getting this blessing," Jackson said, "Education is the key. We've got to do something for education. I support education. If you can support education and win, you get a double blessing."
The winning numbers for the August 19 drawing were 14, 24, 31, 43, and 51, with a Powerball number of 27. The Power Play multiplier was 5.
Powerball is played in 30 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Drawings are held each Wednesday and Saturday night at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The winning numbers are presented within minutes of the draw time at USA Mega (www.usamega.com).
Solomon Jackson, Jr. , seen here at a news conference on Aug. 25, 2009, in Columbia, S.C., is the winner of the state's $259.9 million jackpot lottery prize.
(Click for full-size; opens in new window)A retired South Carolina state employee who spent two bucks on the lottery last week is the winner of a $260 million Powerball jackpot. Solomon Jackson Jr., of Columbia, refused Tuesday to say much about himself or his plans, including whether he will take his winnings annually over three decades or in a $129 million lump sum. Jackson did reveal he was an assistant supervisor for the state Revenue Department who retired in 2000. He said he is married but would not say how many children he has.
(Click for full-size; opens in new window)Solomon Jackson Jr., of Columbia, winner of a $260 million Powerball jackpot, refused Tuesday to say much about himself or his plans, including whether he will take his winnings annually over three decades or in a $129 million lump sum.
(Click for full-size; opens in new window)Edna Delbridge and Rodney Jackson, family members of Solomon Jackson, embrace as they arrive at the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center, Tuesday, August 25, 2009. Solomon Jackson, A retired South Carolina state employee who spent two bucks on the lottery last week is the winner of a $260 million Powerball jackpot.
(Click for full-size; opens in new window)Amber Baldwin, right, assistant manager at the Murphy USA store in Columbia, S.C. sells a South Carolina Education Lottery ticket to Laura Myers, 60, of Columbia. This is the store that sold the winning $259.9 million Powerball ticket.