Calif. financial workers to share $543M Mega haul

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Along with 10 others in the office he works at in Santa Clara County, Roland Reyes pitched in $2 on a whim for the largest prize in California lotto history.

They won the $543 million Mega Millions jackpot with a quick pick ticket.

Ranging in age from 21 to 60, the group of financial workers claimed the prize at the Hayward lottery office the day after the July 24 draw.

“If I could win, anybody could win. We’re just normal people!” Reyes said in a news release.

The group didn’t have a usual lottery pool, and they told Mega Millions they plan to keep working. Some mentioned using their share of the winnings to pay off mortgages and kids’ college tuition, help family members and go back to school.

The winners can take the entire annuitized amount of $543 million spread out over 30 years or take the final lump-sum cash option of $320.5 million. Both are before federal taxes.

The group has declined to give interviews and to say where they work other than it’s in the “financial industry.”

Jackpot drawings started on May

8. It took 22 rolls before the group’s winning ticket matched the numbers 19-2-4-1-29 and the Mega number

20. Reyes bought it at Ernie’s Liquors in San Jose because he figured they would have a better chance at a momand-pop shop.