Alleged Mega Millions Jackpot Winner Speaks Out Amid Rumors
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Rumors swirl around the person who holds the winning Mega Millions ticket sold in Baltimore County and worth $105 million after taxes. The Southwest Baltimore woman at the center of those rumors spoke to WJZ Monday.
Denise Koch has the latest.
"I'm in shock right now," she said.
Mirlande Wilson-- a McDonald's employee and mother of seven-- told the New York Post she's the big winner.
WJZ was there Monday night as Wilson emerged from her Annapolis Road house for the first time since the story surfaced.
She's not confirming or denying that she has the winning ticket, but says she's just trying to make sense of what's happening.
"I don't know where this is coming from," Wilson said. "I don't know what's going on. It's just too much for me. It's confusing. It's very confusing to me."
The $656 million jackpot will be split between the holders of three winning tickets for $105 million each.
One of those tickets was sold at a 7-Eleven store in Milford Mill. But so far, whoever bought it has not come forward to claim it.
"We haven't heard from anyone," said Stephen Martino, Maryland Lottery. "The winning ticket has not been presented, so we're still waiting like everyone else to find out more about this winning Mega Millions jackpot."
Wilson has already spread her good news at a carryout restaurant near her home. WJZ's Mike Hellgren spoke to the owners.
"She's working very hard. She have a lot of children. She's a good person," said the co-owner. "She tell me she win."
The Post is calling Wilson's story a "Mega Mess," saying she went in on a pool with her co-workers at McDonald's and now she won't split the money.
Wilson told the paper the winning ticket was one she purchased separately.
When asked if her co-workers are fighting with her over the ticket, Wilson responded: "Yeah. That's a big problem."
But until lottery officials see the winning ticket, the rumors are still just rumors.
"The fact that it was the largest jackpot in the history of the world and Sunday being April Fools Day really kinda created this perfect storm where we know that a lot of strange claims were being made," Martino said.
If Wilson did win, she will be $105 million richer after taxes.
The owner of the McDonald's where she works issued a statement. He said that the people should not jump to conclusions until the winner officially comes forward.
We're also told that Wilson is reportedly meeting with a lawyer.
Maryland is expected to receive more than $13 million in state taxes from the winning ticket.
The person who holds the winning Mega Millions ticket has 182 days to claim the prize.
