Co-workers claim Lotto jackpot

LOS ANGELES - Two co-workers employed by an independent phone company came forward Tuesday to claim a $64 million Mega Millions jackpot.The pair matched all six numbers on July 16. Zahra Vasseghi, of Agoura Hills, and Thu Thao Truong, of El Monte, said they have been teaming up to play Mega Millions and SuperLotto for the past six months. Their strategy was to play $1 each draw and pay in advance for five draws. The women decided to check their numbers online at work and were immediately stunned. "We thought we were seeing it wrong," they said in a statement. And though they had the sense to remain calm while at work, "we were screaming inside." The pair plans to keep working - for now - and use a portion of their winnings to help family and donate to charity. They also plan to "go to the Bellagio and get a suite." The women opted to take the cash lump sum and will split $41.7 million, before taxes. The winning ticket was sold at Smoke N' Stuff in Los Angeles. The owner of the store will receive a bonus of one-half of a percent, which amounts to $320,000.

********** Published: July 22, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 14