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Man who lost winning lottery ticket can't be paid

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The Associated Press

Published: August 11, 2009

WELLINGTON - A Palm Beach County retiree is Florida's unluckiest winner.

Officials have determined they can't pay Louis Tolentino without the winning $500,000 scratch-off ticket he lost.

The Wellington-area retiree has been trying everything. He even got a sworn statement from the owner of the liquor store where it was purchased.

Lottery officials say they believe Tolentino, but can't hand over the prize money unless he presents the ticket itself or a "validation receipt."

Tolentino's misfortune began July 29, when the ticket disappeared from his back pocket on his way to claim it.

He initially thought it was an answer to prayer. Tolentino's wife is sick, so they've spent a lot of savings on medical bills and might lose their home.

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