Neighbors of a California Powerball billionaire are worried that “suspicious” people will kidnap him if he’s not careful with his new wealth, according to a report.
Theodorus “Theo” Struck, 65, was part of a group that allegedly claimed a $1.76 billion Powerball jackpot and placed a “No Trespassing” sign on a Frazier Park residence. Serving as a representative.
“We’re watching, but you’re worried about shady people doing bad things,” neighbor Kevin Warten said. he told the US Sun. “I’m afraid someone will come and put a bag over his head, throw him in a van and take him away.”
“I expect him to take a look at the safety (once he returns). At that amount of money, he has to.”
“If he needs safety, he’s fine, Jake’s here.” [his dog] And we’re cheap,” ANC Fireworks owner Dan Perry told the magazine. “If I lived here, I wouldn’t want my name mentioned. Now he’s got a big eyeball on his back.”
California law requires jackpot winners to list their name along with their location.
Depending on the state where the jackpot is won, there are different requirements regarding how much personal information can be disclosed to the winner.
Perry suggested Struck donate money to the town to help it.
“This town needs all the help it can get,” the business owner said. “This is one of those rural California towns that’s been ignored by Sacramento. It’s been in an economic downturn for years.”
“It would be great if he could open a business or something, but if I lived here I’d find a nice little place in Santa Barbara or something.”
Struck’s current whereabouts are unknown, but the newspaper reported that his grandfather is believed to be visiting family in San Diego.
“I said, ‘I wonder if he’s traveling around the world right now,’ and I couldn’t blame him at all,” Worten added.
Struck bought his ticket at Midway Market and Liquor Store, just 500 meters from his home in the mountains.
Customers continue to flock to Midway Market, hoping the store will bring them second luck and produce another big lottery winner.
“It’s crazy how many people go back into the market after a win, like lightning strikes twice,” Perry said.
With no tickets matching the numbers in Saturday night’s drawing, Powerball players were given another chance to win the grand prize, increasing the coveted prize to $800 million.
The winning numbers were 6, 23, 25, 34, 51 and a red Powerball 3.
Neighbors believe Strück will continue to live in the small mountain town where he won the life-changing jackpot five months ago.
Struck’s prize, announced by the California Lottery earlier this month, was the second-largest in lottery history, just behind Edwin Castro’s 2022 prize of $28 million.
“I don’t think he’ll move. He’s happy where he is, he’s not in town, he doesn’t mean any harm, it’s quiet here,” Warten said. “He goes mountain biking, fishing, and enjoying his retirement.”
“I hope he doesn’t sell. He’s a great neighbor and completely humble.”
“Maybe he’s not going to move, he’s just going to be the guy who lives in the neighborhood who won the lottery, and we’re going to keep it that way.”
Regardless of Struyck’s decision, Woten plans to continue living next door.
“We’re going to continue to do the same thing. We’re going to wave at each other as we drive down the street, we’re going to catch up on the news and stuff, and we’re going to continue doing our jobs. He has an incredible amount of money. There will be.
