Police Charge Man for Keeping $1M Lottery Winnings from Group Arrangement
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have filed charges against Alex Parucha, a Toronto resident, who allegedly misappropriated $1 million in lottery winnings intended for a group. The incident centers around a Lotto Max ticket claimed on July 2, categorized by Parucha as a sole claimant.
Case Background
Following his claim, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) initiated a forensic investigation. This investigation revealed that the $1 million winnings were supposed to be divided among three individuals, not just Parucha.
Charges Filed
- Alex Parucha, aged 70, faces multiple charges:
- Theft over $5,000
- Fraud over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime
Parucha was arrested and subsequently released but has a scheduled court appearance in January.
Details of the Winning Ticket
The ticket in question was linked to a May 20 Lotto Max draw, where Parucha matched seven Encore numbers. His claim was made at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto after years of participating in the lottery.
Parucha shared his excitement upon winning, stating, “It’s brought a lot of disbelief, happiness, and excitement. I feel so fortunate to have won this prize.”
Ticket Purchase Location
The winning ticket was purchased at Dawes Dollar & Video, located on Dawes Road in Toronto’s east end. Parucha had a long history of weekly lottery participation, often opting to add Encore to his tickets.
Community Impact
This case has drawn attention to the importance of proper lottery claim procedures, particularly in group arrangements. The OPP’s investigation underscores the necessity for transparency in such financial matters.
