esme
12-15-2005, 05:20 PM
Source (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_893132.php) .....just because he didn't pitch in & win w/the rest of 'em!!
GARDEN GROVE – A co-worker of seven lotto winners is suing to get a share of the group's $316 million jackpot, alleging he was part of the "pool" that usually buys tickets together.
Jonathan P. De La Cruz, a medical lab technician at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Garden Grove, seeks $39 million in damages, according to the lawsuit filed last month in Orange County Superior Court.
Seven of Cruz's co-workers -- called "Lucky 7" -- won the Mega Millions jackpot last month. It is one of the largest lotto winnings in the nation. Each winner will receive $25 million before taxes.
Mariza Cuya, Bob Guerzon, Jennifer Habib, Brenda Heller, Kathy Jones, Kate Lynn Juergens and Joyce Onori each put in $3 into the pool.
Cruz contends he had "an oral agreement" since 2001 in which he agreed to pay into a pool to regularly purchase lotto tickets, the lawsuit says. He also alleges his co-workers broke this agreement by not giving his name when claiming the winnings from California State Lottery.
Joyce Onori, 60, of Santa Ana disputed Cruz's claims, saying there was no organized pool. When the winnings were big, Onori said co-workers would randomly ask around who would want to play. Cruz would sometimes chip in, she added.
Onori said Cruz gave her a big hug and said congratulations the day she found out about the winnings. She said she and the other "Lucky 7" employees were shocked when they found out about the lawsuit.
They banded together to hire a lawyer.
"We feel awful, it's just terrible. He was like a son to me," said Onori said. "It's just so sad, this is keeping us from going on with our lives."
Cruz and his attorney could not be reached for comment.
The lawsuit has been assigned to Judge John M. Watson
http://www.ocregister.com/newsimages/breaking_news/2005/12/15lottery_large.jpg
GARDEN GROVE – A co-worker of seven lotto winners is suing to get a share of the group's $316 million jackpot, alleging he was part of the "pool" that usually buys tickets together.
Jonathan P. De La Cruz, a medical lab technician at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Garden Grove, seeks $39 million in damages, according to the lawsuit filed last month in Orange County Superior Court.
Seven of Cruz's co-workers -- called "Lucky 7" -- won the Mega Millions jackpot last month. It is one of the largest lotto winnings in the nation. Each winner will receive $25 million before taxes.
Mariza Cuya, Bob Guerzon, Jennifer Habib, Brenda Heller, Kathy Jones, Kate Lynn Juergens and Joyce Onori each put in $3 into the pool.
Cruz contends he had "an oral agreement" since 2001 in which he agreed to pay into a pool to regularly purchase lotto tickets, the lawsuit says. He also alleges his co-workers broke this agreement by not giving his name when claiming the winnings from California State Lottery.
Joyce Onori, 60, of Santa Ana disputed Cruz's claims, saying there was no organized pool. When the winnings were big, Onori said co-workers would randomly ask around who would want to play. Cruz would sometimes chip in, she added.
Onori said Cruz gave her a big hug and said congratulations the day she found out about the winnings. She said she and the other "Lucky 7" employees were shocked when they found out about the lawsuit.
They banded together to hire a lawyer.
"We feel awful, it's just terrible. He was like a son to me," said Onori said. "It's just so sad, this is keeping us from going on with our lives."
Cruz and his attorney could not be reached for comment.
The lawsuit has been assigned to Judge John M. Watson
http://www.ocregister.com/newsimages/breaking_news/2005/12/15lottery_large.jpg