A Staten Island, New York, woman who bought a lottery ticket while wine shopping can afford champagne now — a lot of it.
Jin Ok Choi, 54, was introduced at a Manhattan news conference Thursday as the winner an $85 million Mega Millions jackpot.
Choi said she bought a quick-pick ticket when she saw how big the jackpot for the July 3 drawing had gotten.
"I'm still in shock," said Choi, who opted for a lump sum of $64 million and will take home $40 million after taxes.
She plans to buy a new condo.
Lottery officials also announced seven other big winners, including NYPD cop Billy Sena, 28, who hit for $1 million on a scratch-off ticket.
Sena, who will take home an extra $31,000 a year for 20 years, said he plans to buy a new house — and won't be quitting his job.
Despite the massive size of her prize, Choi is not the biggest solo winner in New York.
Long Island couple Richard and Mary Morrison won a $162 million jackpot in 2010 (see story), and Daniel Bruckner and his pregnant wife, Christine, hit for $208 million while visiting Long Island last year (see story).
Bankrupt Queens parking attendant Juan Rodriguez had the winning ticket in a $149 million drawing in 2004 (see story).
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Congrats to All the Winners
Looks like she took her time getting her affairs in order before claiming. Smart, though too bad she couldn't remain anonymous.
"Bankrupt Queens parking attendant Juan Rodriguez had the winning ticket in a $149 million drawing in 2004"-----I always wonder what happened to this guy.
Good for them, my time is coming
Last I heard of this Colombian imigrant was his wife filed for divorce shortly after his win, to get her cut. Apparently their marriage was on
the rocks for awhile, not to mention they had filed for bankruptcy just before the big win. Haven't heard much of anything since then.
Oh man, now I got a taste for Gin and bok choy.
Well... not so much the bok choy.
Alcohol and veggie? Weird combination.
She won the jackpot with a $5 Quick Pick Ticket, the winning combination was on line A on the ticket.
I have a picture of the winning ticket.The story failed to explain that she won with a $5QP ticket. You can google the image, if you guys want to see it. You have to make sure that the ticket image is on full view.
Seeing is Believing.
Congrats to the winner!
Bok Choi can be tasty, but not with Gin.
A big congrats to Ms. Choi on her amazing win!
Congrats to the winner
I know the winner. She and I have been very close friends for about 20 years. She said she will split the JP with me. Can't wait.
Your really on a winning streak onlymoney! Why can't I have friends like yours.
I think my luck will fall short after my third windfall. Isn't it always the case?
No seriously, I still can't believe my luck. Powerball win and now this !
Still soaking it all in.
"You're"