PATERSON, N.J. — Authorities say a New Jersey man who won the $338 million Powerball jackpot on Monday is subject to potential arrest for owing about $29,000 in child support.
Pedro Quezada, 44, claimed a lump-sum payment worth $221 million, or about $152 million after taxes, the fourth-largest jackpot in Powerball history. He said Tuesday that he hasn't made up his mind on what to do with the money, but he could use a good car and give back to his community and "help those in need."
(See N.J. man claims $338 million Powerball jackpot, Lottery Post, Mar. 26, 2013.)
But authorities said Quezada owed child support payments that go back to 2009. It's not known which of Quezada's five children, who range in age from 5 to 23 years old, are covered under the payments.
A spokesman for Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik said the sheriff's office's warrant squad is attempting to find Quezada to resolve the matter.
Spokesman Bill Maer also said the state Lottery Division generally satisfies such judgments before winnings are released. He added that Quezada is subject to potential arrest like everyone else until the warrant is satisfied.
Quezada lived in the United States for 26 years since his family moved in the 1980s from the Dominican city of Jarabacoa, CBS New York reports. Neighbors said the Quezada family suffered bad luck in recent years. Thieves broke into their apartment in 2011 and a fire almost destroyed their bodega in 2009.
Thanks to GAMBLIN QUEEN for the tip.
I Think he can afford the payments now, but how will they find him? He probably is hiding untill all the hype dies out
here we go
Just the beginning with this guy, you can just see he is not too bright. Christ he must have had about 20 people with him when he did the press conference. If this guy has $10 to his name in 5 years I will be shocked.
Well he did say " l want to take care of my family"- maybe his factoring in his deadbeat dad status knowing it needs to be upgraded.
Wouldn't supprise me if Pedro goes broke within 5 years.
i don't know if he is a deadbeat dad but what else would you call someone who owes $29,000 in back child support and still had enough cash to buy liquor and lottery tickets?
Looks like Pedro will need to get paid again.
Alimony, alimony
I thought I bought steak
But it was all baloney
Me oh my, oh goodness sake
I'm payin' for my mistake...
-Bobby Bare
Will he still be arrested after the lottery satisfies the judgment or after he himself pays it off plus all the fines?
that's cute
i don't know about other states but it is a felony here if you get over 10 grand behind
i'm just glad he can now pay all his dues to the mother & children
that way everyones Happy Happy
Good. I hope he pays more than the $29k for all those kids he's left scattered around. Sheesh.
Btw, what the heck is a bodega? I did google it. I live in the Houston area. We are fairly diverse here. Is a bodega the yankee hispanic version of the Pakistani mini-marts? Do the Pakistani get to have their own special name for their mini-marts? Pakidega? "Pock-ee-dega" as some might pronounce? If an Italian owns a mini-mart, is it called a bodego?
Kids cost a lot to have and I know because my sister has four and they always need things. I am just glad I never had any so I don't owe child support too. I bet the mother of those kids will ask for more money from pedro now that he is rich and he will be broke in five years if he doesn't watch it.-weshar75