Rival Edwin Castro is doubling down on his claim that he is the rightful owner of the biggest winning lottery ticket in American history – despite allegedly filing a false police report in the ongoing saga, according to a report.
Jose Rivera demanded “justice” following his first appearance in Pasadena Court on Friday for the felony charges.
“It is ridiculous that they are trying to charge me for my own ticket. I have no words for that,” Rivera told the US Sun.
“But I showed them that I am the rightful winner. I bought the ticket. I will show everyone that I am the rightful winner.”
Rivera came forward months after Castro claimed the $2.04 billion prize with claims that he was the one who actually bought the tickets from a California store.
The lifelong gardener accused his landlord, Urachi “Reggie” Romero, of stealing the life-changing ticket before it somehow ended up in Castro’s hands.
Reggie Romero accused of stealing life-changing tickets. Marjorie Hernandez/NY Post
Rivera reported the alleged theft and filed a civil suit despite Castro and Romero’s vehement denials, as well as the California State Lottery Commission’s confirmation that Castro was seen on surveillance footage buying the ticket.
Rivera was charged with filing a false police report last month — exactly one year after the nation’s largest winning lotto ticket to date was withdrawn.
Authorities believe Rivera wasted their time with frivolous claims about the tickets that led to the charges.
Edwin Castro won a life-changing sum of money after buying a ticket last November. Diggzy/Jesal / SplashNews.com
He showed up to Friday’s hearing prepared for what he called “war,” wearing a bright blue LA Dodgers T-shirt, matching hat and white pants.
“If God wants me to go to jail for my own ticket — Oh well, that’s what he wants. But Imma fight until the end,” Rivera told the outlet.
“I want justice and I will show it to the world. I hope I get justice.”
Rivera came forward months after Castro claimed the $2.04 billion prize with claims that he was the one who actually bought the tickets from a California store. MJT / SplashNews.com
He insists that he is not “money hungry” and that he has taken a break from work since the record-breaking tickets were revealed to focus on his ongoing legal battle.
He faces up to six months in jail, probation and a fine of up to $1,000 for allegedly filing a false police report.
“It’s been difficult for me and my family,” Rivera said, adding that her family has supported her emotionally and financially since she filed the report.
“I have my own business. I am a gardener and I am proud to be a gardener and a hard worker.”
“It will explode. I don’t want money, I want truth. I’m tired… People think I’m stupid. I’m not stupid, I’m actually very, very smart.”
Rivera did not enter a plea Friday and told the court he wanted to speak with a public defender before deciding whether to hire his own attorney.
His trial has been pushed back to January 11.
His civil case against Castro, the lottery commission, and Romero has been continued until next February.
Castro — who was spotted at Los Angeles International Airport in September with a mystery woman — did not appear distressed by Rivera’s allegations and has spent his winnings lavishly.
Aside from designer clothes and luxury cars, the world’s luckiest man has bought three mansions in California worth a combined tens of millions of dollars.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
