News writer
When it comes to playing the lottery, most people dream of hitting it big, cashing in, and maybe buying that long-awaited vacation home. But one New York man's idea of a lucky streak allegedly came with a twist: he was on the clock.
During what should have been a regular shift at the local Elks Lodge, he may have taken his shot at fortune in a way that caught the attention of investigators rather than Lady Luck.
Put it on the tab
On September 27, 2025, David M. Miller, 67, was working at the Wolcott Elks Lodge, located at 6161 W. Port Bay Rd., in Wolcott. While he was working, he allegedly obtained Quick Draw tickets from the New York State Lottery without rendering payment, according to the New York State Police.
An investigation conducted by the Troop E Major Crimes Unit determined that Miller generated approximately $9,498 in lottery ticket purchases using the bar's electronic terminal over a period of several hours.
The Quick Draw tickets produced approximately $4,164 in winnings for Miller. However, the remaining $5,334 balance was never paid, officials said.
An arrest was made
On October 31, 2025, Miller was arrested following the investigation. He was charged with grand larceny, third degree, a felony.
Miller, who also serves as the Wolcott village justice, was transported to Wayne County Jail for his arraignment. He was later released pending further court proceedings.
Millions handed out to real winners
While Miller allegedly tried to scam his way into some lottery winnings, three other New Yorkers did it the right way. And they happened to walk away with $5 million in prizes.
Kurt Kelleher is from Shirley, and he recently claimed a $3 million top prize from the New York Lottery's Bonus Bucks scratch-off game.
He purchased the winning ticket from King Kullen, located at 405 William Floyd Pkwy. in Shirley. Kelleher opted to receive the prize in 20 annual payments of $97,653 each, after the required withholdings.
As of this writing, two $3 million top prizes are remaining on the Bonus Bucks scratch-off game.
For the June 4, 2025, Powerball drawing, one lucky ticket in Brooklyn matched all five of the winning white ball numbers drawn to win $1 million.
The winning numbers for that draw were 5, 17, 23, 35, and 45, and the Powerball number was 24. The winning ticket was purchased at Krupa Cards Shop, located at 626 Sheepshead Bay Rd. in Brooklyn.
Now, the Brooklyn-based L&Y Family Irrevocable Trust claimed the $1 million prize. They received a one-time lump sum payment totaling $612,240 after the required withholdings.
Another lucky New York Lottery player claimed a $1 million top prize on the VIP Millions scratch-off game.
Dorata Swieboda purchased the winning ticket from Norman Convenience & Smoke Shop, located at 171 Norman Ave. in Brooklyn. She recently claimed the winnings, receiving a single lump sum payment of $651,010 after the required withholdings.
As of this writing, there are still 11 $1 million prizes and two $5 million prizes remaining for the VIP Millions ticket.
Enjoy playing the New York Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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