Back in November 2009, Americo Lopes, a New Jersey construction worker, won $38.5 million from a Mega Millions lotto ticket. He quit his job soon after, but conveniently forgot to tell his fellow Portuguese immigrant co-workers why—could it be the bi-weekly lottery pool they had all participated in since 2007?
Now five of Lopes's former colleagues are suing Lopes for $4 million each, claiming he hid their collective rightful winnings to keep it for himself. (The drawing was for $77 million, and there were two winning tickets; after taxes, Lopes's share was $24 million). One particular co-worker even claims that the winning ticket was bought on one of their pool days, but Lopes' lawyer points out that his client's winning ticket was from quick picks, while the group's tickets were typically self-chosen. Some other dramatic moments:
- According to the testimonial from the accused's wife, Margarida, Lopes told co-worker Daniel Esteves about the money four months after winning it over the phone, apparently causing Esteves to sob. At first, Margarida wouldn't admit that it was sobbing, just emotions ("If you have feelings, water’s going to come out!").
- Candido Silva Sr., the co-worker who claimed the winning ticket was bought on a pool day, cried on the stand and described Americo Lopes as like "a son" to him.
- Months after the winning, Lopes borrowed some wine making equipment from Jose Soosa, another defendant, whose wife had recently giving birth, without mentioning the extra money.
- After winning, Lopes took time off from work by claiming he had foot surgery, and his friends came over help him fix his driveway for free .
So, are all of these guys just jealous of Lopes's good fortune? Or did Lopes cheat his old friends out of a fortune? After all, what's better than unearned wealth and getting people to do stuff for you for free? It's the Americo-n dream!
