OC man wins $10 million from California Lottery

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Monday, July 10, 2017
People line up to buy Mega Millions lottery tickets at the Bluebird Liquor store in Hawthorne, Calif. on Friday, March 30, 2012.
People line up to buy Mega Millions lottery tickets at the Bluebird Liquor store in Hawthorne, Calif. on Friday, March 30, 2012.
AP-AP

CYPRESS (KABC) -- An Orange County man won $10 million from a California Lottery Gold Scratchers ticket he bought from a smoke shop.

According to a state lottery press release, Richard Maciel stopped by the Cypress Smoke Shop on his way to work to pick up a cigar. He decided to purchase a California Gold Scratchers ticket and ended up winning the largest amount possible in the contest.

Once people in the store found out he won $10 million, a crowd formed. The press release said Cypress Police even showed up.

"I like to keep to myself, so I snuck off and left as soon as I could," said Maciel, according to the CA Lottery press release.

Maciel can take the $10 million in annual installments of $400,000 over the next 25 years or receive a $5.8 million lump sum.

The Cypress Smoke Shop also wins $50,000 for selling the winning ticket.

According to the press release, Maciel said he has won $1,000 multiple times and $5,000 from lottery tickets.

"I've always had peace of mind, but now I have a little bit more. I'm just thankful and blessed," said Maciel, according to the CA Lottery press release.