Edwin Castro’s rival is doubling down on his claims that he is the rightful owner of the largest winning lottery ticket in US history, despite being accused of filing a false police report in the ongoing saga, according to a report .
José Rivera demanded “justice” after his first appearance in Pasadena Court on Friday on the criminal charge.
“It’s ridiculous that they are trying to charge me for my own fine. “I have no words to describe it,” Rivera told the US Sun.
“But I showed them that I am the rightful winner. I was the one who bought the ticket. “I’m going to show everyone that I’m the rightful winner.”
Rivera came forward months after Castro claimed the $2.04 billion prize with accusations that he was the one who actually bought the ticket at a California store.
The longtime outfielder accused his landlord, Urachi “Reggie” Romero, of stealing the ticket that changed his life before it somehow ended up in Castro’s hands.
Reggie Romero was accused of stealing the ticket that changed his life. Marjorie Hernandez/NY Post
Rivera reported the alleged theft and filed a civil case despite emphatic denials from Castro and Romero, as well as confirmation from the California State Lottery Commission that Castro was seen on surveillance footage purchasing the ticket.
Rivera was accused of filing a false police report last month, exactly one year after the country’s largest winning lottery ticket to date was withdrawn.
Authorities believed Rivera was wasting time with a frivolous claim about the fine that led to the charge.
Edwin Castro won the life-changing sum of money after purchasing the ticket last November. Diggzy/Jesal / SplashNews.com
He showed up to his arraignment Friday ready for what he called “war,” decked out in a bright blue Los Angeles Dodgers jersey, matching hat and white pants.
“If God wants me in jail for my own fine… Well, that’s what he wants. But I am going to fight until the end,” Rivera told the outlet.
“I want justice and I am going to show it to the world. I hope he gets justice.”
Rivera came forward months after Castro claimed the $2.04 billion prize with accusations that he was the one who actually bought the ticket at a California store. MJT/SplashNews.com
He claimed he was not “money hungry” and had taken a break from work since the record fine was revealed to focus on his ongoing legal battles.
He faces up to six months in jail, probation and fines of up to $1,000 for allegedly filing a false police report.
“It has been difficult for me and my family,” Rivera said, adding that his family has supported him emotionally and financially since he filed the report.
“I had my own business. “I was a gardener and I am proud to be one and to be a hard-working man.”
“Will explode. I don’t want money, I want the truth. I’m tired… People think I’m stupid. “I’m not stupid, I’m actually very, very smart.”
Rivera did not enter a plea Friday and told the court he wanted to speak with a public defender before deciding whether to hire his own attorney.
His arraignment was delayed until January 11.
His civil case against Castro, the lottery commission and Romero has continued until next February.
Castro, who was spotted at Los Angeles International Airport in September with a mystery woman, appears unconcerned by Rivera’s claims and has spent his winnings lavishly.
In addition to designer clothes and luxury cars, the world’s luckiest man purchased three huge mansions in California worth a combined tens of millions of dollars.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn