ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, July 13, 1996 TAG: 9607150067
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RICHMOND
Robert Johnson said he knew he would win a Lotto jackpot, and he did - big time.
``I knew I was going to win, but not this soon,'' Johnson said at a press conference Friday as he cashed in on a $14.4 million Lotto payoff. He said he has been playing Lotto for seven years.
Johnson, 60, has been a bus driver in Richmond for 27 years. But he will end his career in 30 days, he said, when he retires to enjoy his new-found wealth.
Johnson bought the winning ticket - 2-10-12-13-27-43 - Wednesday night at a gas station.
He learned of his good fortune about noon Thursday as he was driving his route for the Greater Richmond Transit Co. He picked up a newspaper someone had left on the bus, checked his five tickets, and immediately called his wife.
``I told him I had to see the ticket first,'' Judith Johnson said.
But Johnson continued his route until his workday was over.
When he arrived home, Mrs. Johnson went on fixing supper. ``I've never got real excited about anything,'' she said.
Johnson said he plans to take a vacation in the Bahamas next month and buy a new house. He also plans to get a new fishing boat. Judith Johnson said she will use some of the money for dental work.
They also plan to put away money for their three children and six grandchildren, and give money to the homeless.
The Johnsons will consult a financial adviser and will put away money for their three grown children and six grandchildren, Johnson said. His wife said they also will .
The Johnsons received their first after-tax payment of $490,929. They will receive additional annual payments of $488,920.
The $14.4 million payoff was the largest in 31/2 months, Lottery officials said.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 44 linesby CNB