$1.5 billion Mega Millions winner explains how "Lottery Lawyer" Jason Kurland stole $83 million

Comment #59

JeetKuneDoLotto — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 01:51:51 GMT

If a man is worth 18 billion dollars. Like DJT. (according to FORBES)

And he played the Mega Millions Lottery using his CIA contacts and the Seven Dwarves supercomputing system, Crunching 24/7 for two day. And then he won

2 Billion?

I think it would be an easy secret to keep.

How would he brag? I won a pittance! And also people who have money dont talk about it or their winning generally. It bad luck and bring bad attention.

Thats when I win I will proudly brag and display al... [ More ]

Comment #58

JeetKuneDoLotto — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 01:39:47 GMT

So the story is how the lawyer stole money,

but the gubment stealing MORE MONEY BETTER ,gets no coverage at all?

Do you think that Joe Robotoid Biden, is not going to send his IRS gestapo goons after honest lottery players winnings?

I will post a picture of the FORBES article when I find it.

And yes the ramifications of a weaponized IRS against lottery players is a good topic.

(And we can talk about the car that runs on water too..).

God know Joe Robotoid Biden dont wan... [ More ]

Comment #57

EnReval — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 02:10:33 GMT

True

Comment #56

JeetKuneDoLotto — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 04:23:05 GMT

Is it true?

I saw a post on the Twitterati page,

Is it true?

I seen it twice.

They appears to have a FORBES article too.

Is it true?

Or is it just

FAKE NEWS on STEROIDS

Comment #55

scorpio45 — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 20:15:12 GMT

i don't care who won the big jackpot in middlebury vermont i just want to find out if it was a quick pick or their own numbers

Comment #54

KY Floyd — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:29:14 GMT

What if the winner told absolutely no one, stashed it in a safe deposit box, and died three weeks later!

Even if you're dead you can still tell people stuff if you planned ahead. No idea if the limit is phone or provider dependent, but my Verizon Samsung will let me schedule a text for any time between right now and a year from now. The catch is that the text is stored on the phone and won't get sent if the phone isn't functional and still connected to a provider through a valid account. Gm... [ More ]

Comment #53

Artist77 — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 11:40:28 GMT

The claiming trust likely expired after the money was claimed. If the winners set up a living trust, the winners are the trustees until they die.

Also, if Kurland drafted the living trust, he cannot ethically serve as the trustee since it is considered a conflict of interest.

Comment #52

EnReval — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 03:04:33 GMT

But the check was paid to the trust and he was over the trust

Why didn't they choose what bank put the $$into

Comment #51

Diamond Girl — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:01:34 GMT

The whole setup wreaked of fraud even before they found out the lawyer was stealing. The accounts were set up in the lawyer's name, are you kidding me?

The only people with direct access to the money should have been the people who won the money, period.

Hopefully, the clients from whom this scum sucker had stolen can recoup some of it after all the stolen assets are sold at auction.

Comment #50

Artist77 — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 14:25:49 GMT

Of course not but the winner will be moving and neighbors and acquaintances will ask why. Moves and buying property take time. Just suddenly disappearing the day after or just before a major jp is collected in your area will raise questions . Plead poverty and say you are moving in with a relative to save money. Don't flash that new fancy car around the neighborhood.

Comment #49

GiveFive — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 12:37:03 GMT

A good head start. That'd work for me. Never in my life have I tried to go completely off the grid but you probably don't have to go to that extent anyway. G5

Comment #48

GiveFive — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 12:27:51 GMT

I cant imagine someone who won a massive jackpot continuing to live in a low income high crime neighborhood for very long after their big win. G5

Comment #47

travelintrucker — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 03:22:58 GMT

After reading the article, I don't feel sorry for them one bit.

Comment #46

Stack47 — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 02:12:34 GMT

The winners can say nothing but there are the people working at lottery headquarters, someone that just happened to be there cashing a ticket or asking a question. There is a paper trail between the lottery and and their bank and the winner and their bank.

The ID might be safe with Federal and State tax people, but there could be city and county taxes too. Some states by law must check for legal things like child and spousal support, court cost, liens, etc. Wonder how many people heard the

Comment #45

Artist77 — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:07:27 GMT

If you have an obvious change in income and live in a middle class or above neighborhood and have a career, virtually no one is going to assume you won the lottery. Too funny! If you live in a low income high crime neighborhood, people are going to assume your money came from other sources.

I have said this before but no one has an obligation to explain a new home, new car, etc to a nosy person. The few times a few nosy neighbors have fished for my income, some very directly, I shut that to... [ More ]

Comment #44

GiveFive — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 12:28:20 GMT

True. It's very possible someone could learn the winners identity before the lottery knows.

The only way I can think of that nobody could find out the winners name is if the winner told absolutely no one they have the winning ticket and did nothing with it (other than put it a safe deposit box) for five or six months.

How anybody could keep a secret like that to themselves for that amount of time is beyond me!!! If it was me, I'd be bursting at the seams and want the money in my possessi... [ More ]

Comment #43

Stack47 — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 03:17:56 GMT

I think most non-attorneys know attorneys are trained in facts and evidence and documentation

Sidney Powell's legal defense: Reasonable people wouldn't believe her election fraud claims .

Comment #42

Stack47 — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 03:06:43 GMT

Illinois won't publish the name of the person validating the winning ticket, but there are other ways to find out that information without waiting for someone to file for discloser using the FOIA. And knowing which store sold the winning ticket is a good starting place.

Illinois sold 11.5 million tickets for that drawing so without knowing where the ticket was sold and at that point made finding the identity of the ticket holder, mission impossible.

As for people going to the store tryi... [ More ]

Comment #41

Cigarman — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 23:57:04 GMT

Monthly seems excessive, at least a monthly sit down. But a semiannual sit down would work, provided they are working monthly or weekly or so forth on making sure I'm not getting screwed. I might see myself paying for that.

Comment #40

Goteki54 — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 16:10:54 GMT

If you can't trust the liars in 3 piece suits to look out for you, who can you trust

Comment #39

GiveFive — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 13:26:57 GMT

I used to live in the eastern part of the state of New York about a two drive north of Long Island where Kurland's law office was located. I'd heard of Jason Kurland and thought to myself; He'll the first guy I'll call should I win big. Lucky me in that I never won big. But from reading the above article, you can see how easy it is to get hooked up with the wrong guy.

Although it wont be anytime soon, it's going to be interesting to see the length of Kurland's sentence. I hope he hasn't gott... [ More ]

Comment #38

GiveFive — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 12:42:33 GMT

Agreed. A lot does depend upon the type of lawyer involved.

The winners husband could possibly have a specialized practice and limited it to for instance to Real Estate. If that's the case then it wouldn't be unusual for them to feel the need to hire an attorney with a different specialization. Why not hire a lawyer that bills himself as a Lottery lawyer ?

I'm sure Jason Kurland is as professional looking and sounding as can be, and his legal credentials are legitimate. But it's also th... [ More ]

Comment #37

GiveFive — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 12:17:22 GMT

Doubt any state lottery can prevent a store clerk or even a neighbor that noticed a huge change in lifestyle from knowing their identity and revealing it. Very true.

But it's also true that maybe it means something that the ticket was purchased at The Speedy Cafe Speedway in Des Plains, and maybe it doesn't mean anything. There's no guarantee that a regular customer of the store bought the winning ticket. The winner could easily have been passing through Des Plains, stopped to buy gas, used... [ More ]

Comment #36

Artist77 — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 11:27:20 GMT

Fortunately, I think most non-attorneys know that attorneys are trained in facts and evidence and documentation and tend to have a great deal of intellectual curiosity.

Most 30 plus year attorneys are at the top of their game. Attorneys rarely retire at 55. It is more plausible that he never actually practiced or worked as an attorney and/or has some sort of health related limited intellectual disability.

Comment #35

KY Floyd — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:50:28 GMT

However if someone uses the FOIA we will comply

It seems that the policy is to not publicize the winners, but that's very different from allowing winners to be anonymous (which obviously isn't the case if they'll release the information in response to a FOIA request. Over the years I've seen an awful lot of information that said various lotteries were required to release the names of winners and I assumed there was actually a specific law or rule regarding lottery winners in those states. W... [ More ]

Comment #34

ErikB14 — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 03:57:58 GMT

They would hide from public to protect themselves' but couldn't protect their wealth from evil Lawjer kurtland. Karma is a Bicth

Comment #33

EnReval — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 02:44:15 GMT

I agree--sometimes people want to win but it probably was too much hassle and they didn't want to worry abt keeping track

now they have to

lawyers are not financial analysts

I know they have to be kicking themselves that's a lot of

Comment #32

Artist77 — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 00:23:25 GMT

What if the lottery fairy promised one a huge jackpot win on one condition-that condition being that one would have to spend 2 hours every month double checking and verifying the winning assets and investments first hand?

I think the majority of winners would not follow through.

It does not matter how many attorneys or accountants a winner hires. It starts with the winner exercising a little effort and common sense.

Comment #31

Cigarman — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 23:48:49 GMT

Over the years, I have kept a list of what to do when I win the big big lottery. Since finding USAMega and reading your stories over the years, I have added many little things to that list. You know, things like get rid of your cell phone #, don't quit your job right away, make a HUGE contribution to this website, etc. You know, the important things to do!

My wife will tell you how much I do not trust people. I tell her all the time to zip her purse shut because I don't trust people w... [ More ]

Comment #30

Stack47 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 23:26:33 GMT

I always thought anonymity meant the lottery wouldn't publish the name and location of winners. Doubt any state lottery can prevent a store clerk or even a neighbor that noticed a huge change in lifestyle from knowing their identity and revealing it.

The day after it was known the MM jackpot was won, the store were the ticket was sold became national news.

The winning $1.337 billion ticket was purchased at the Speedy Caf Speedway gas station in Des Plaines, Ill., a suburb northwest of C... [ More ]

Comment #29

scorpio45 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 23:03:27 GMT

Did they ever find out who won that latest big jackpot mm in vermont

Comment #28

EnReval — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 22:41:43 GMT

Yep! If they over talk you, talk too fast, look at you with daring eyes yikes

ran into a guy at Flamingo in Vegas who was watching people play, he had on a maintenance outfit and said he had people in technical ofc that could help you win a jkpot

but u had to give him ur players card

i heard him make a call like he was talking to someone who managed the machines

we walked to a machine n sat down but I refused to gv him my card--alerted security and then saw him at anoth... [ More ]

Comment #27

GiveFive — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 18:35:34 GMT

Claiming anonymously has only one benefit. It simply protects you from people coming at you. Other than that, you're on your own as to who you approach to help you manage your new lottery windfall

There are liars, cheats, thieves and scoundrels in every profession. It's your responsibility to figure out who you trust. You could do an excellent job of vetting people to help you and still wind up hiring a con artist. And most con men do an excellent job of making you think they're legitimate.... [ More ]

Comment #26

GiveFive — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 18:27:40 GMT

And to think the winners husband is a lawyer yet he allowed Kurland sole access/control over the accounts! Her lawyer husband didn't even know enough to have his name on the accounts so he could receive bank statements too???

Wouldn't want her husband representing me even if he was working pro bono! (For free) G5

Comment #25

EnReval — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:18:59 GMT

Wonder if their thought was too much $ to handle let someone handle it and we just sit back n live a carefree life

Comment #24

Artist77 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:14:09 GMT

1. You have to first ask if the lottery allows trusts to claim....regardless of anonymity.

2. If yes, you need to see if the Foia law specifies the release of the winners'name---claiming entity or the actual winner behind the trust. If it does not specify, it should be narrowly read. I would look to the legislative history of the state foia law for clarification.

Comment #23

annah12 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 16:40:52 GMT

that what am thinking, the winner husband a lawyer himself. Some thing is not right

Comment #22

Bleudog101 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:03:46 GMT

So back to anonymity. Illinois law says anything over $250K can remain anonymous...but the next line is what gets me. Paraphrasing here: However if someone uses the FOIA we will comply with that law and give them the name and city of the winner. Darned if you do, darned if you don't.

Does this just pertain to the average Joe Doe who uses anonymity without a trust? I'd think a trust lawyer would be the way to go. No matter what, in this day and age if someone wants to unearth something seems... [ More ]

Comment #21

Tony Numbers — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:36:38 GMT

It's unfortunate the winners were not lottery post members. Otherwise they would know exactly what to do

Comment #20

Artist77 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 10:53:58 GMT

No, the state lottery would be violating state law and their reputation would be ruined if they released the name of an anonymous winner. And courts allow anonymous names in legal proceedings in certain situations and that is protected as well.

Comment #19

EnReval — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 03:36:39 GMT

I couldn't sleep and within 24hrs demanded my name be on the accnt or a family member, something

Comment #18

EnReval — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 03:35:35 GMT

So after taxes and $$ to charity, what's left? Is there enough to continue paying 10 family members $125 kyr

Comment #17

EnReval — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 03:33:30 GMT

Do you think that the real winner's names in some cases filter thru to agencies and thatz how people find out

Comment #16

thaencyder — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 02:31:06 GMT

What's there not to get about the need for anonymity? What the ticket cost is completely irrelevant. The new found wealth can be overwhelming, attracts a level of attention one is unable to handle, and even worse can put lives at risk. I think it's great you're not bothered by all of that but a lot of people are and the option to do should ALWAYS be available to them.

Comment #15

EnReval — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 02:14:51 GMT

I mean buying horses and then going back to the account to get more

that's like losing on slot machine and getting a cash advance bcuz u know u abt to hit and lose again

this case of all is mind blowing

Comment #14

EnReval — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 02:11:33 GMT

He probably agreed with the wife since she purchased the tkt

Comment #13

EnReval — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 02:05:53 GMT

My issue is your husband is a lawyer. If they could have just asked when will our statements come and I need to be on the account too.

Comment #12

MsBee18 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 02:05:00 GMT

I don't really get the whole anonymous thing. All you did was buy a $2 lottery ticket and got incredibly lucky (and rich I might add). Either way this couple still got taken.

They're biggest downfalls is entrusting so much money to someone you barely met on the internet. Kurland did a great job of marketing his services. Paid handsomely for said services too. Maybe if they started out small then gradually increase their assets under management things would have turned out differently. Perso... [ More ]

Comment #11

noise-gate — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 02:01:22 GMT

He had access to it. We did not. He set it up as though it was basically, his account

No words..

Comment #10

welington — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 01:18:03 GMT

If this crooked lawyer rat out this anonymous winner, he should get life in prison. It's sad he already stole $83 million. It makes everyone think twice, before choosing any attorney ,if you win big .

Comment #9

JoeBigLotto — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 01:13:31 GMT

This is exactly my point Anonymous or no Anonymous won't protect you from scams. Like I said you either free spending your money or someone else is free spending it for you. If you wish to be anonymous don't play Biglotto play small lotto pick3 lol

Comment #8

MADDOG10 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:41:57 GMT

Wow, I can't believe these people were that Naive! I certainly hope they can recoup some of their stolen money.

Comment #7

Artist77 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:25:04 GMT

I agree Todd and a great closing line. This couple has not learned their lesson on any level.

Comment #6

Todd — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:58:15 GMT

I just wanted to say thanks to Kate, who did a heroic job of writing an excellent article about this very complex topic.

Comment #5

Artist77 — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:56:09 GMT

By trust, I was not referring to Kurkand claiming on their behalf. I am referring to separate trusts created post receipt of the money... investment trusts.

These winners were unusually lazy and did not attempt even once to oversee their money. They would have been cheated at some point by someone and I bet it will happen again. I kind of lost a lot of sympathy for them.

Comment #4

thaencyder — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:52:52 GMT

The issue isn't him claiming on their behalf but what happened afterwards. They could have easily moved on but instead they failed for his investment schemes which he took full advantage of. That's a completely separate issue and unrelated to the claiming process which the media is now conflating. Claiming anonymously is still the best option. Just don't let your lawyer become your financial adviser.

Comment #3

Bleudog101 — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:51:36 GMT

That crook might rat her out. A total shame he ripped her off for $83 million.

Comment #2

Artist77 — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:48:24 GMT

Wow. Just fyi, if you win a jp, you can set up brokerage accounts, etc. in the name of a trust. It does not have to be the name of a person. I would set up two entities and funnel investments through to the trust . Legal and easy to do. I am surprised that the winner's husband (an attorney) did not know this and allowed accounts to be set up in Kurland's name. And to rely on one person to tell you about your money is just the height of stupudity.

Comment #1

TheGameGrl — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:47:59 GMT

Glad the jury saw fit to place guilt where it belonged.

83 million is its own win for some players! Wow! That he scammed that much!

Validates that no one should manage your funds or at the very least report once a month it's activity. No way would I put the funds into another person's name. He has legal total control.

$1.5 billion Mega Millions winner explains how "Lottery Lawyer" Jason Kurland stole $83 million

Lottery Post — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:13:54 GMT

Jury convicts conman on wire fraud, money laundering charges

By Kate Northrop

The famous and still anonymous winner of the record $1.4 billion Mega Millions lottery jackpot from South Carolina emerged from her legendary silence to deliver a testimony against New York Lottery Lawyer Jason Jay Kurland that explains how he stole $83 million from her in his schemes.

On July 26, the United States Department of Justice announced that a jury found Kurland, 48, guilty of defrauding his own l... [ More ]