Business & Tech
Former Long Beach Detective Wins $44.3 Million Powerball Jackpot
A former LA County police detective and avid lottery player won a life changing $44.3 million Powerball jackpot.
LONG BEACH, CA — A former Long Beach police detective and U.S. Army veteran won a life-changing $44.3 million Powerball jackpot, according to the California Lottery.
Jerry Heath, who now lives in Orange County, purchased his winning ticket at a Ralph's store in Dana Point back in August. However, the self-identified lottery enthusiast became concerned after he still hadn't received his winnings more than 11 weeks later.
Though it felt like a long wait, Heath said last month he finally he picked up his check amounting to almost $17 million.
Find out what's happening in Long Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
See related: Man Who Won $44M Lottery Yet To Receive Payout: Report
“I’m a very fortunate human being,” Heath said in a statement provided by the California Lottery. “I can’t forget where I came from now that I’m a multimillionaire. I don’t really travel; playing the lottery is my only luxury.”
Find out what's happening in Long Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Heath said he graduated from California State University, Long Beach and came from a low-income upbringing. He told the California Lottery that he plans to share the winnings with his daughter and grandchildren and still plans to keep playing the lottery.
Heath said his goal is to win SuperLotto Plus.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
