Topeka Resident Receives Surprise when Claiming $10,000 Winning Ticket

A Topeka man received a huge surprise when claiming a Powerball ticket this afternoon.  Steve Castellon came to Lottery headquarters in Topeka to claim what he thought was a $500 winning ticket.  However, much to his surprise, his winning ticket was actually worth $10,000!  Castellon, who purchased a $10 Quick Pick Powerball ticket, matched four numbers plus the Powerball in the June 6 drawing, winning the cash prize.

"I'm just shocked," said Castellon.  "I really don't know what to say.  I came here thinking I had won $500 and was thrilled with that."

According to Castellon, he buys Powerball tickets every other week but doesn't check them until he has collected a stack of tickets.

"I bet I had 10 to 15 tickets stashed in my sun visor that I hadn't checked until yesterday," said Castellon.  "I knew I had won something big, but never imagined my ticket was worth $10,000.  It's unbelievable!"

The happy winner said although he should check his tickets immediately after each drawing, maybe his strategy of not checking his tickets right away brought him luck.

"I'm going to keep playing, but I don't know if I'll check my tickets right away," said Castellon.  "Not checking them seemed to work out pretty well for me this time."

Castellon, who works for Gordman's, was undecided how he would spend his winnings.

"I don't think it has sunk in how much I have won," said Castellon.  "This is all so unbelievable and exciting."

The winning ticket was purchased at Topeka Quick Stop, located at 1020 NW Topeka Blvd. in Topeka.