Arizona Lottery Freezes $12.8M Prize Over Ownership Row

The Arizona Lottery is currently withholding a $12.8 million prize as a legal battle unfolds over the rightful ownership of the winning ticket. A Circle K store clerk, Robert Gawlitza, is at the center of the dispute, accused by his employer of trying to cash in a winning ticket that a customer allegedly abandoned.

Gawlitza's attorney maintains that his client acted appropriately, asserting that store policy requires employees to purchase unsold lottery tickets. The attorney claims Gawlitza confirmed the purchase with his supervisor before acquiring the tickets. Despite his alleged adherence to protocol, Gawlitza was terminated from his 20-year position at Circle K.

Circle K has stated it filed a declaratory judgment complaint to seek court guidance on determining the ticket's rightful owner, emphasizing a commitment to transparency with the Arizona Lottery. The lottery has confirmed it is holding the winnings until the legal proceedings conclude, leaving the substantial prize in limbo.