POWERBALL winner Edwin Castro has been served with legal papers at his new $25million mansion as a lawsuit claiming his winning lotto ticket was stolen is set to go forward, The U.S. Sun has learned.
In the suit first filed in February in Alhambra Superior Court, plaintiff Jose Rivera alleges he was the one who bought the big-money ticket.
He claims he purchased it at Joe's Service Center in Altadena the day before the November 8 drawing - which saw the winner pick up a staggering $997.6million after taxes.
Rivera alleges it was stolen by a man called "Reggie" the same day, who has since been identified as Urachi F. Romero and is listed as a co-defendant in court documents seen by The U.S. Sun.
The plaintiff claims he demanded Romero return the ticket, but he refused, telling him he had lost it, but if he did eventually find it they could split the winnings.
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Rivera claims he refused to be blackmailed and reported the alleged theft to the commission and to law enforcement.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to the LA County Sheriff and LAPD for comment but did not hear back.
Carolyn Becker, a rep for the California Lottery, previously stated: "When it comes to the vetting process for big winners, California Lottery has the utmost confidence in its process for doing so.
HEARING SET
"California Lottery remains confident that Edwin Castro is the rightful winner of the $2.04 billion prize stemming from the Powerball drawing in November of 2022."
Despite the claim, the lawsuit is still going ahead, as Rivera is trying to sue the California State Lottery Commission, Castro, and Romero.
According to the latest update, a proof of service was filed on May 17 showing court papers was allegedly delivered to Castro at his new home in the Hollywood Hills, and received by an unidentified male.
A copy of the summons, complaint, and other documents related to the case was handed to a Hispanic man in his 50s at Castro's publicized address above Sunset Strip on April 25, the filing states.
The process server noted in the documents: "The subject said we are serving the wrong Edwin Castro. I advised the subject to contact the attorney if any questions or concerns."
A case management conference and proof of service hearing have now been set for July 24 at the courthouse in Alhambra, CA, with Rivera being represented by attorneys Estela Richeda and Brian Kramer.
Court papers do not yet list an attorney for Castro, and he refused to comment on the lawsuit and his historic win - the biggest in history - when approached by The U.S. Sun.
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There is also no attorney listed for the California Lottery Commission or Romero, with The U.S. Sun making attempts to reach the defendants.
SHOPPING SPREE
Castro recently plunked down $25million on his luxury home near pop star Ariana Grande and TV host Jimmy Kimmel.
The lavish 13,578-square-foot property has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms and is situated just a stone's throw away from the famous Chateau Marmont.
It boasts a "Batcave-style" entrance with secret parking for his new vehicles, a gym, a wine cellar, and an infinity pool.
The U.S. Sun obtained exclusive images this month of Castro out in West Hollywood at the Pacific Design Center looking at high-end billiards tables, before shopping for furniture on Melrose Avenue.
According to reports, he didn't come forward to claim the prize until mid-February and chose not to attend a press conference at the gas station where the ticket was purchased.
The California Lottery previously told Inside Edition Digital that it is not authorized to investigate criminal activity.
"Such allegations are subject to investigation only by local law enforcement," a statement provided read.
'VIDEO FOOTAGE'
"Should a local law enforcement agency investigate such allegations, Lottery’s only role is to assist in the matter by answering questions and/or providing evidence as allowed under the law."
Rivera's legal team also told the outlet they had sent a letter to the California Lottery asking that all evidence, including any video footage from the gas station, should be preserved.
"In an effort to hopefully reach a prompt resolution of this matter involving the rightful owner of the $2.04 Billion Powerball winning ticket, our client, Jose Rivera, again requests the 'Lottery' make available for our review all video depicting the purchase of the winning ticket," the letter stated.
"We understand the 'Lottery' took possession of the video shortly after it was determined the winning ticket was sold at Joe’s Service Station in Altadena, California."
Joe Chahayed, the owner of Joe's Service Center, spoke exclusively to The U.S. Sun after also earning himself $1million before tax for selling him the ticket.
The humble businessman, who chose to return to work the next day at 6 am and gave his winnings to his family, maintains Castro did buy the ticket and was a regular in his store.
He said: "I knew the guy before he won, he came every morning to buy coffee, donuts, and tickets ... then he disappeared.
"I thought he was mad at me or something had happened, but then someone told me he won the money."
