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December 21, 2007

Update: Swansea couple claims big Powerball jackpot

Journal photo / John Freidah
Lawyer Peter Saulino speaks for his client, Sheila Botelho, who is one half of the couple -- and the only one identified -- who won the $151.9 million Powerball jackpot last month. Saulino appeared to claim the prize today at state Lottery headquarters in Cranston. At left is lottery director Gerald Aubin.

Little is being revealed about the Swansea, Mass., couple that won the $151.9-million Powerball jackpot, but one fact is clear: They've both left their jobs since winning the big prize.

The winners are concerned about maintaining their privacy, according to their lawyer, Peter Saulino. They didn't even go to Lottery headquarters in Cranston this morning to pick up their winnings, but were represented by Saulino.

And only one half of the couple has been identified -- Sheila Botelho. Her husband's name has not been released.

Saulino talked about the pair, but declined to divulge many details.

Both were working -- although Saulino refused to say what they did -- but now they're retired.

Saulino indicated they were close to retirement age anyway. They have children, but Saulino would not say how many.

The winning ticket was among five quick picks the couple spent $5 on. They'll collect the jackpot in a lump sum -- $75,231,092.

They plan to use the money for travel, possibly a new house, and to address a health condition afflicting one of them.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

The winning ticket, bought at the Warren Mart, at 428 Child St. in Warren, was the biggest Powerball win in Rhode Island’s history.

They learned they won soon after the Nov. 28 drawing, put the ticket in a safe-deposit box and contacted Saulino, who was recommended to them.

Their first question: "All of this is confidential, right?"

The money will be wired to them later today, according to Saulino.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Comments

Can I have some money? I need it. Thank you.

Bob | December 21, 2007 11:15 AM link

God Bless them.
I wish them all the best.
Hopefully, they have a competent Attorney, CPA and Investors.
They deserve their privacy...too much in this world is public. I applaud the silence.
They have New and Awesome $$$ freedom and of course comes responsibility. I hope they have the strength and integrity to handle such a position.
Godspeed

Rob | December 21, 2007 1:03 PM link

Congratulations! What a great country we live in.

Kevin | December 21, 2007 1:22 PM link

THE BEST OF LUCK TO THIS COUPLE. IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY DESERVE IT. AND BOB, YOUR MESSAGE WAS CORNY. YOU COULDN'T SAY ANYTHING POSSITIVE ABOUT THIS AT ALL?

DONNA | December 21, 2007 2:31 PM link

I think that is wonderful for them. Now they actually get the chance to enjoy what life has to bring them....Congratulations and god bless.

Brenda Sorel | December 21, 2007 2:43 PM link

GOD BLESS BOTH OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, I HOPE ALL IS WELL. I WENT TO THAT STORE ON WEDNESDAY THE DAY OF THE
DRAWING TO BUY QUICK PICKS BUT I FORGOT MY POCKETBOOK,
AND HAD TO COME HOME. MAYBE SOMEDAY. OH WELL , THAT'S LIFE. MY HUSBAND AND I SEND YOU THE VERY BEST, ENJOYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

SANDY | December 21, 2007 2:43 PM link

Congrats to the lucky couple! As much as I wish I was the one to win that night, it's great that you won.

Steve | December 21, 2007 3:14 PM link

Congratulations on your winnings. I only hope the very best for the two of you and your family. Enjoy your retirement, hopefully you can now do everything you have ever dreamed about. What a Merry Christmas for you!!!!!!

Donna | December 21, 2007 3:16 PM link

Near retirement already, eh? That's just wonderful. Already near the finish line of a working life and now you win.

Bob | December 21, 2007 4:22 PM link

Congratulations to both of you! I hope that you and your family enjoy and make good use of your windfall and not become one of the unfortunate lottery winners that let their winnings effect their life in an adverse way! I am so happy that someone in RI finally won the "big one" since it has been such a long time!

Again congratulations to you and your family! Happy holidays!

Bob | December 21, 2007 6:51 PM link

Congratulations to both of you! I wish you good health to enjoy your winnings and a lifetime of happiness and good will. Lots of luck.

SEF | December 21, 2007 8:21 PM link

Buy a House ?? You can buy the wholeneighbogood....Spend it ...Not foolishly, give to your family and Friends just one BIG time before they ask for it...You have soooo much money , you have no idea...Get healthy and get with it

Ray | December 21, 2007 10:37 PM link

They should start a hedge fund. Good luck on treatment for the health issue!

steve | December 22, 2007 12:49 AM link

Good for you ! There's nothing like a big fat nest -egg in the bank to take care of whatever life may hand you.
Congrats, good luck, and have a Merry Chistmas!!

Greg | December 22, 2007 6:02 AM link

wow....wishing you the best...what a christmas gift!!!

diane | December 22, 2007 6:53 AM link

Congratulations you hit the American dream. Buy what ever your hart desires.

Misty Smith | December 26, 2007 7:51 PM link

December 21, 2007

Update: Swansea couple claims big Powerball jackpot

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