NY man, 71, claims Mega Millions jackpot
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Believe it, Johnnie Taylor, believe it.
A Queens, New York man is living the dream after winning a $476 million Mega Millions jackpot in April − the largest jackpot win in the state's Mega Millions history.
“It still doesn’t feel real,” Taylor told the New York Lottery on Monday when he claimed his prize, stating that his wife didn't believe him when he told her he had won. He said she had to go online and check the numbers for herself.
Taylor, 71, of Howard Beach, decided to take the cash option over annuitized payments for a lump sum of $157,288,402 after state and federal taxes.
Taylor, a handyman in Manhattan, has retired and plans to travel, buy a home and buy a new hybrid car to replace his 2012 Prius.
He said he bought the winning ticket at Liberty Beer and Convenience in Queens, a convenience store near his local subway stop where he always buy his lottery tickets. The retailer gets $10,000 for selling the ticket.
“The New York Lottery congratulates Mr. Taylor on winning this historic jackpot, the sales for which brought millions of dollars to New York’s public schools and lottery retailers across the state,” said New York State Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer.
