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$239 Million Mega Millions Jackpot Unclaimed

VIRGINIA – (Press Release) - Nearly a month after a Mega Millions ticket matched all six numbers to win a $239 million jackpot, the whereabouts of that ticket -- and the identity of the person who bought it -- are still unknown.

The ticket was purchased at Red Apple in Stephens City, Virginia for the February 20, 2004 Mega Millions drawing. It was the only ticket in that drawing to match the winning numbers 01-13-20-21-30 and the Mega Ball number 24.

Since that drawing there has been a large amount of speculation, but no one has shown up at the Virginia Lottery's door, holding that winning ticket.

"The winner may still be waiting for the dust to settle and to get his or her affairs in order," says Virginia Lottery Executive Director Penelope W. Kyle. "We always advise all of our winners to obtain financial and legal advice before they make the necessary decisions required by the Lottery in order to claim their winnings."

The ticket will expire 180 days after the drawing, which means the winner has until August 17, 2004 to claim the prize. If that happens, he or she can take the $239 million in 26 annual payments of $9.19 million per year before taxes or a one-time cash option of approximately $141.5 million before taxes.

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