Winning Powerball Ticket Sold In Harlem Still Unclaimed

HARLEM, NY — It's been more than two weeks since a Powerball ticket sold in Harlem hit the jackpot, and the lucky tickethold has not come forward to win their share of the $687.8 million prize.

Two jackpot winners from Iowa and Harlem struck it rich on Oct. 27 when the Powerball numbers read 8, 12, 13, 19, 27 with the red Powerball 4 and the "power play" number of 3 — the odds of one person hitting the grand prize are one in 292 million. Powerball winners have at least 90 days, and possibly up to one year, to claim their prize, according to lottery rules.

Questions regarding the Harlem winner were amplified last week when 51-year-old Lerynne West of Redfield, Iowa came forward to collect her half of the jackpot.

"I realize this is a life-changing moment," West said while claiming her prize. ""I’m excited to share my winnings with family and friends, plan to purchase a new car, and look forward to a long vacation – or several."

The Iowa woman also revealed plans to give to causes and charities important to her and her family through a newly-established charity that will honor her deceased grandson. West opted to receive her winnings

So what's taking the Harlem winner so long?

There's a chance that a lucky Harlemite is walking around unaware that they're a millionaire — which would be unfortunate. Any unclaimed grand prize money gets redistributed throughout the lottery system, according to lotto officials.

But there's also a chance the winner is just biding their time and waiting for the right moment to come forward. New York State lottery winners are not allowed to remain anonymous, and must attend a press conference to claim their prize. There's also a significant amount of financial planning to do before receiving an influx of $343.9 million.

Jose Espinosa, who runs the West Harlem Deli with his father, told the Associated Press that he has no idea who the winner is. Espinosa was working all day at the deli when the winning ticket was sold, he told the AP.

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