Posted on: November 17, 2023, 10:38h.

Last updated on: November 17, 2023, 10:38h.

Maine’s lottery winner sues ex over $1.35B jackpot

The biggest lottery winner in Maine is suing his ex-girlfriend for revealing his $1.35 billion Mega Millions jackpot to his parents. “John Doe” seeks at least $100K for every person she disclosed to.

The non-disclosure agreement aimed to protect their identities and prevent media exposure. The jackpot was sold at Hometown Gas & Grill in Lebanon, Maine, making it the fourth-largest lottery payout in US history.

Mystery Man

Maine doesn’t allow winners to remain anonymous, but a limited liability company (LLC) can claim the prize on the winner’s behalf. John Doe collected his winnings through the LaKoma Island Investments LLC, opting for a one-time pre-tax cash payment of $723,564,144.

What we’re doing here in our small town – we’re keeping our eye out for an odd limousine,” Hometown owner Fred Cotreau joked to NECN shortly after the winning ticket was sold. “It’s not the prom season, so if we see a limousine in a driveway somewhere, we’re gonna go knockin’.”

Which is exactly what John Doe fears.

Loose Lips

In exchange for signing the NDA, Doe promised Smith “support and ongoing security resources,” but claims her disclosure violated the agreement. As a result, “other third parties are now in possession of John Doe’s protected subject matter, including his sister.”

Doe seeks an injunction against Smith to prevent further disclosure and demands “an amount to be determined at trial, but no less than $100,000 per unauthorized disclosure” as compensatory damages. He also wants “all reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and court costs incurred in the prosecution of this lawsuit.”