New Jersey resident who won $315 million Powerball jackpot comes forward
TRENTON, N.J. (WTXF/AP) - A New Jersey resident has come forward as the winner of a Powerball jackpot worth $315 million.
The ticket holder was revealed as Tayeb Souami at a press conference on Friday afternoon
Lottery officials say Souami, of Little Ferry, New Jersey, holds the lone winning ticket for the May 19 drawing. It was sold at a ShopRite grocery store in Hackensack. The ticket matched all five white balls and the Powerball to win the jackpot, which has a $183.2 million cash value.
It's unknown if the Souami had decided to claim the lump sum or take their winnings over time. He says the machine picked the numbers that won him the jackpot.
In his introductory press conference, Souami described the morning he realized he won, as well as the night he purchased the ticket.
Souami, who is originally from Africa, says he came to America in June of 1996. He has two children. He says he's already quit his job, will pay off his house and take care of college costs for his son and daughter.
This marks the second major lottery win in New Jersey this year. A Vernon man won a $533 million Mega Millions jackpot in March.