Jeff Lindsay

Powerball Winner • CA • 2017

Jackpot (2024$)

$510,000,000

lump sum

Age at Win

Unknown

Business owner

Summary

Jeff Lindsay claimed California's $447.8 million Powerball jackpot on July 19, 2017, making it the 10th-largest U.S. lottery prize at the time—then promptly disappeared from public life. **This case is fully verified** through official Powerball records, AP wire coverage, and multiple California news outlets. Despite California's mandatory disclosure laws preventing anonymous claims, Lindsay achieved *effective anonymity* through total media silence, becoming one of the most successful examples of privacy preservation in mega-lottery history. After 7+ years, no negative outcomes have surfaced—no bankruptcy, lawsuits, or tragedies—suggesting his immediate hiring of professional advisors paid off.

Quick Facts

Win Date
June 10, 2017
State
CA
Winner Type
individual
Marital Status
married
Ticket Type
Quick Pick
Payment Choice
lump sum
After Tax
$169M

Timeline

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Date unknown

Powerball Win

Won $447.8M Powerball jackpot. Numbers: 20, 26, 32, 38, 58, PB 3. 7th largest Powerball at the time.

*
Date unknown

Fateful Reinvestment

Initially bought Scratchers, won small amount, returned to buy 10 Powerball tickets on a whim.

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Date unknown

Ticket at Risk

Winning ticket sat unsecured on kitchen counter for days - a $447M bearer instrument at extreme risk.

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Date unknown

Strategic Claim

Claimed prize after 39-day strategic delay. Had already assembled legal and financial advisory team. Refused official winner photo.

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Date unknown

Retailer Bonus

Marietta Liquor & Deli owners (Alberre family) received $1M retailer bonus from California Lottery.

Notable Quotes

"We are private people and do not want to change who we are or become public figures and ask that people appreciate and respect our privacy."

"We have engaged a number of financial, legal and other advisors to guide us... to support our family and causes that are important to us for many generations to come."

Analysis

Protective Factors

  • +30+ years business ownership - understood contracts, liability, cash flow
  • +California Advantage - no state tax saved ~$35M vs New York
  • +Strategic 39-day delay - assembled expert legal/financial team
  • +Refused official winner photo - maintained daily anonymity
  • +Minimal disclosure strategy - boring statement, no press conference
  • +Kept pool plastering business - preserved identity and routine
  • +Stayed in hometown Menifee - maintained community ties
  • +Supportive protective neighbors - existing social capital
  • +Pre-existing stable marriage and family
  • +Treated win as business transaction requiring due diligence

How They Found Out

Initially bought Scratchers at Marietta Liquor & Deli, won small amount, returned to buy 10 Powerball tickets "on a whim." Ticket sat on kitchen counter unnoticed for days until hearing media reports that winning ticket sold in Sun City neighborhood. Waited 39 days to assemble legal/financial team before claiming.

Research Quality: high Last Updated: 1/1/2025Years Tracked: 8