The 16 Ocean County, N.J., Vehicle Services Department employees who won the Powerball drawing this month, named “Ocean’s 16,” have verified their winning ticket. According to a release from the New Jersey Lottery, the group came to Lottery headquarters in a chartered bus on August 12 to file an official claim. The Lottery declared the ticket valid and payable, “at which time the group jumped to their feet, cheered, clapped, and hugged one another in joy,” the release stated.
The Powerball jackpot for the August 7 draw was $448 million, split between three winning tickets. Each ticket, if taken in a lump sum, is worth $86,054,355 before taxes. The net prize after federal and state taxes is $61,959,135. Each of the 16 will receive a check for $3,872,445.94.
The winners are: Ralston Chalfant Jr., Peter Cherkos, Joseph D’Angelo, June Delgado, Robert Heinen, Dorothy Kulina, Tabitha Long, Brian McCarthy, Susan Nickel, Joseph Odoardo, Lisa Presutto, Darlene Riccio, Barbara Jo Riivald, Eleine Sanchez, William Seeley, and Donna Cinque-Stasse.
Vehicle Services Department Director James Pine was not part of the Ocean’s 16 but was present at Lottery headquarters to support his team. Pine said, “I am happy. It’s pretty special to have my staff be all set.” He said it was especially heartening after many of them faced Superstorm Sandy. When asked whether he would be hiring soon, Pine responded, “None of them will leave me hanging. They came in this morning and did their jobs until we were all set to go.”
Many of the winners said they would remain at their jobs for the near future and perhaps beyond, the release stated. NJ.com reported that the 16 employees work at various positions within the department. Pine is set to retire in a few years.
