Port Authority workers share $1,000,000 Mega Millions prize

Drawing Date: 8/8/2017

October 16, 2017 - A group of 21 Port Authority workers have claimed the second prize of $1,000,000 on the August 8 Mega Millions drawing.

The group dubbed District 150 have been playing together for 15 years. “We play Mega Millions and Powerball almost every week” said spokesperson David Gutierrez.

The winning quick pick ticket was purchased in New York by the group’s President Shakuntala Sam.

The next morning the “bookkeeper” of the group, Mirthia Hernandez checked the ticket.

“I had stopped on the way to work and got a print out of the numbers. I was checking them in the office with a couple other members of the group and realized we won,” Hernandez said.

The members that were present began screaming and jumping up and down. The rest were told as they came into work.

The 21 members of District 150 include residents of New York and New Jersey.

“It feels very good, exciting and awesome to win the Lottery. You read it in the paper and don’t think it will ever happen to you,” said Gutierrez.

Gutierrez continued, “There are 21 people with 21 different plans for the money” including bills, vacation, a nice dinner, and spending on their kids.

The group who claimed as a trust with receive their prize as a one-time lump-sum payment of $661,800 after required withholdings.