August 10, 2005 New Mexico - Albuquerque, NM - A master sergeant assigned to the 58th Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque has claimed a $93.4 million Powerball jackpot. John San Cartier correctly matched all six numbers drawn on August 10. It was the New Mexico Lottery's third Powerball jackpot, the second-largest prize in the state, and the largest claimed by an individual. The winning numbers were 13-31-36-38-49 and the Powerball was 2.

San Cartier chose the $52.2 million lump-sum option. After federal withholding taxes of 25 percent and state withholding taxes of six percent, he will receive a one-time wire transfer of approximately $36 million.

Following Lottery recommendations, the special operations instructor loadmaster sought legal and financial advice before claiming his prize.

He bought his winning "quick pick" ticket at Raley's Superstore #805 at 6200 Coors NW in Albuquerque. His shopping list at the market was short: a jug of milk and a quick pick ticket.

"I was taking my daughter to school on my way to work the next day," San Cartier said. "I heard on the radio that someone won. I went home in the afternoon and checked on-line. I started shaking and called my wife. She said, 'No way!'"

San Cartier checked his winning numbers on-line at the Powerball and New Mexico Lottery websites, and then started checking various local news stories. He finally went back to Raley's and picked up a print-out of the winning ticket, never indicating the reasons for his interest.

The same Raley's store previously sold three large winning Scratchers and a 4 This Way! top prize valued at $1,000 to $4,000. The store also sold a $50,000 winning Scratcher under previous ownership.

San Cartier has been in the service for 15 ½ years. September 5 marks his third anniversary at Kirtland.

The New Mexico Lottery joined the Powerball group in October 1996, and is one of 27 participating states plus the District of Columbia and US Virgin Islands. In addition to the 162 (cq) $100,000 to $500,000 winners in New Mexico (five winning numbers but no Powerball), there have been about 825 (cq) $5,000 to $25,000 third prize (four winning numbers plus the Powerball).

The New Mexico Lottery has already raised more than $250 million for public education, including more than $182 million for the Lottery Success Scholarship program. Well over 35,000 students so far have received their in-state college tuition paid by the Lottery Success Scholarship, with an updated student count pending.