BOSTON (AP) – What was supposed to be a festive New England Christmas tradition has turned sour for two former friends who are taking their fight over a $200,000 winning lottery ticket to court.
Brenda White, 55, of Plaistow, N.H. won the $200,000 on a Massachusetts State Lottery $5 scratch ticket appropriately called “Bah Hum Bucks” during a Yankee swap party on Dec. 15 in Haverhill.
In a Yankee swap, participants have the option of either keeping a gift they choose, or swapping for a gift selected by someone who preceded them.
White swapped for the lottery ticket originally selected by Franco Sapia, 39, of Derry, N.H.
Before scratching the ticket, she promised to split any winnings with Sapia, according to the complaint filed in Essex Superior Court. She didn’t, and Sapia is claiming half the jackpot in his suit.
“There are a number of witnesses to the contract, including (White’s) sister,” Sapia claims in documents, which also indicate that a private investigator has interviewed party guests.
A judge has agreed to freeze the jackpot until the matter is resolved.
A lottery spokesman says the agency is remaining neutral.
“It’s simple for us,” Dan Rosenfeld said. “We stay out of it until the court decides what to do.”
A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 10.
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