$3 billion lotto winner Edwin Castro’s ticket was ‘stolen’

Instant billionaire Edwin Castro was served legal papers at his newly-bought $40 million mansion in a suit claiming his winning ticket was stolen.

Edwin Castro was awarded a lump-sum cash payment of $1.5 billion after winning the record-breaking Powerball last year. Picture: Simon Berlyn/MEGA and (inset) Diggzy/Jesal/Splash News/Media Mode

Powerball winner Edwin Castro has been served with legal papers at his new $40 million mansion as a lawsuit claiming his winning lotto ticket was stolen is set to go forward, the US Sun has learned.

In the suit first filed in February in Alhambra Superior Court, plaintiff Jose Rivera alleges he was the one who bought the big-money ticket.

He claims he purchased it at Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, California, the day before the $3 billion November 8 draw – which saw Castro pick up a staggering $1.5 billion (AUD) after he elected for a lump-sum payment and paid taxes.

Rivera alleges it was stolen by a man called “Reggie” the same day, who has since been identified as Urachi F. Romero and is listed as a co-defendant in court documents seen by the US Sun.

The plaintiff claims he demanded Romero return the ticket, but he refused, telling him he had lost it, but if he did eventually find it they could split the winnings.

Rivera claims he refused to be blackmailed and reported the alleged theft to the commission and to law enforcement.

Edwin Castro. Picture: Diggzy/Jesal/Splash News/Media Mode

The US Sun has reached out to the LA County Sheriff and LAPD for comment but did not hear back.

Carolyn Becker, a rep for the California Lottery, previously stated: “When it comes to the vetting process for big winners, California Lottery has the utmost confidence in its process for doing so.

“California Lottery remains confident that Edwin Castro is the rightful winner of the $3 billion prize stemming from the Powerball drawing in November of 2022.”

Despite the claim, the lawsuit is still going ahead, as Rivera is trying to sue the California State Lottery Commission, Castro and Romero.

According to the latest update, a proof of service was filed on May 17 showing court papers were allegedly delivered to Castro at his new home in the Hollywood Hills, and received by an unidentified male.

Edwin Castro Hollywood Hills mansion. Picture: Simon Berlyn/MEGA

A copy of the summons, complaint, and other documents related to the case were handed to a Hispanic man in his 50s at Castro’s publicised address above Sunset Strip on April 25, the filing states.

The process server noted in the documents: “The subject said we are serving the wrong Edwin Castro. I advised the subject to contact the lawyer if any questions or concerns.”

A case management conference and proof of service hearing have now been set for July 24 at the courthouse in Alhambra, California, with Rivera being represented by lawyers Estela Richeda and Brian Kramer.

Court papers do not yet list a lawyer for Castro, and he refused to comment on the lawsuit and his historic win – the biggest in history – when approached by the US Sun.

There is also no lawyer listed for the California Lottery Commission or Romero, with the US Sun making attempts to reach the defendants.

The lawsuit does not explain how the ticket was stolen or how it came into Castro’s possession.

Castro recently plunked down $38 million on his luxury home near pop star Ariana Grande and TV host Jimmy Kimmel.

The lavish property has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms and is situated just a stone’s throw away from the famous Chateau Marmont.

It boasts a “Batcave-style” entrance with secret parking for his new vehicles, a gym, a wine cellar, and an infinity pool.

The US Sun obtained exclusive images this month of Castro out in West Hollywood at the Pacific Design Center looking at high-end billiards tables, before shopping for furniture on Melrose Ave.

According to reports, he didn’t come forward to claim the prize until mid-February and chose not to attend a press conference at the gas station where the ticket was purchased.

The California Lottery previously told Inside Edition Digital that it is not authorised to investigate criminal activity.

“Such allegations are subject to investigation only by local law enforcement,” a statement provided read.

“Should a local law enforcement agency investigate such allegations, Lottery’s only role is to assist in the matter by answering questions and/or providing evidence as allowed under the law.”

Castro is accused of cashing in a ticket that was stolen from the original buyer.

Rivera’s legal team also told the outlet they had sent a letter to the California Lottery asking that all evidence, including any video footage from the gas station, be preserved.

“In an effort to hopefully reach a prompt resolution of this matter involving the rightful owner of the $3 billion Powerball winning ticket, our client, Jose Rivera, again requests the ‘Lottery’ make available for our review all video depicting the purchase of the winning ticket,” the letter stated.

“We understand the ‘Lottery’ took possession of the video shortly after it was determined the winning ticket was sold at Joe’s Service Station in Altadena, California.”

Joe Chahayed, the owner of Joe’s Service Center, spoke exclusively to the US Sun after also earning himself $1 million before tax for selling the ticket.

The humble businessman, who chose to return to work the next day at 6am and gave his winnings to his family, maintains Castro did buy the ticket and was a regular in his store.

He said: “I knew the guy before he won, he came every morning to buy coffee, doughnuts, and tickets … then he disappeared.

“I thought he was mad at me or something had happened, but then someone told me he won the money.”

This article was originally published by the US Sun and reproduced with permission