Dominican Bodega Owner's $338 Million Lottery Win Destroys a 10-Year Relationship
Dominican immigrant and New Jersey bodega owner Pedro Quezada played the lottery, and against 1-in-175 million odds, he won. The 44-year-old became the sole winner of the fourth largest jackpot in Powerball history, claiming $338 million - estimated at $152 million after taxes. Quezada, who shared his grocery store business with his longtime partner of ten years - a Mexico native by the name of Ines Sanchez, has changed significantly since the win.
Now, the two former love birds, who have a small child, stand on opposite sides of courtrooms, fighting over money owed. The couple pooled their cash when they purchased the ticket, though Quezada has taken full claim over it. He rejects the implication that he owes Sanchez anything because the two are not married. And, though the two have been together for 10 years, they don't live in a state that acknowledges common law marriage, so Sanchez, indeed, would not share the benefits that a wife would.
Eight months ago, Quezada's son claimed that the family would "do something good with the money." After all, the winnings seemed like welcomed news, as the two suffered a burglary two years ago, where everything of value was stolen; and then last year, their bodega, Apple Deli Grocery, was nearly burned to the ground. But, Quezada has used the money in extravagant and supposed benevolent ways. He apparently sent $57 million to his native Dominican Republic; gave away $5 million - which includes funds given to neighbors for rent; and he spent $300,000 on a new home; and more than $20 million cannot be located.
Sanchez also indicated that Quezada has become physically abusive, which forced her to move out of their new home. The outcome for the two former lovers has yet to be decided by the New Jersey judge who is presiding over their case. Quezada, the father of five, also owes delinquent child support from as far back as 2009, and is expected is facing lawsuits for those claims.
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