Store regular bought Mega Millions jackpot ticket, owner says

NEW JERSEY (FOX5NY.COM) - The winner of last week's Mega Millions jackpot hasn't stepped forward yet. But the owner of the store in New Jersey where the ticket was sold may know who it is.

"I think it would be amazing if one of us changed someone's life in this manner," cashier Nancy Levann said. "Which is a little Scary at times, just that thought. And I handed it to somebody."

Either Levann or one of two other cashiers at the Lukoil on Route 23 South sold the jackpot-winning Mega Millions ticket.

While neither Nancy nor the New Jersey Lottery nor the rest of America yet know the identity of that somebody, Lukoil South owner Ameer Craas said he reviewed the gas station's security footage and saw one of his regulars, whose name he promised to keep secret, buy that winning ticket.

"I have not tried to be in touch with them, no," Ameer said.

On Monday, New Jersey Lottery Acting Executive Director John White presented Ameer with a check for $30,000 as a bonus for selling that ticket. Ameer said he planned to use the money to award each of his 10 employees a bonus and donate the rest to the construction of his church.

"This is life-changing money," he said.

Jason Kurland of Certilman, Balin, Adler & Hyman specializes in lottery law. He has helped more than 30 different winners maximize, protect, and enjoy their winnings.

"The first thing you need to do is hire a group of professionals that are going to guide you through the process," he told Fox 5. "Signing the ticket, creating a trust, forming an entity, claiming the right way trying to keep your name out of the papers as much as you can."

But the New Jersey Lottery's White said that the winner cannot stay anonymous, even if they form a trust. When or if the winner of the fourth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history comes forward, his or name or the name of their trust becomes public record.

Kurland said that he still argues that the winner would benefit from the counsel of a legal and financial adviser to minimize that public exposure.

"Shield yourself from the charities, from the friends and family coming out of the woodwork," Kurland said.

And then? Do almost whatever you want.

"You can do a lot of good with that money," Ameer. "Enjoy it."

The state of New Jersey and the federal government will combine to take 32 percent of this jackpot—more than $170 million.