SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) - A 69-year-old California grandmother has come forward to claim a $23 million lottery jackpot after the winning ticket languished in her car's glove compartment for months and almost expired.
Julie Cervera of Victorville received her winnings Friday after lottery officials did a media blitz in hopes of identifying her. Grainy surveillance video from the liquor store where the ticket was purchased showed a dark-haired woman who turned out to be Cervera's adult daughter.
The ticket was bought in May. Cervera was driving home when her daughter got car sick and wanted to stop to buy a bottle of water. Cervera gave her $1 to buy a lottery ticket, which was left in the car.
With 180 days to claim the prize, Cervera only had until Nov. 25 to cash in.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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