NC Powerball winner redeems $88 million ticket

RALEIGH — Jeffrey Wilson says it’s been a long three days since a Powerball lottery drawing made him a millionaire.

The 27-year-old from Kings Mountain resident appeared in Raleigh on Tuesday to redeem the $88 million ticket that he purchased from a local gas station for Saturday’s drawing. He decided to take a lump-sum payment of about $42 million, or $29 million after taxes.

Wilson said he plans to buy a house, maybe a car and probably “some fast boats.” He considers himself an average guy with a close group of friends and close family, and said while the jackpot will change his life it won’t change who he is.

Wilson is North Carolina’s second Powerball winner. Jackie Alston of Halifax won a jackpot of $74 million in November 2006.

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