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Lottery Winner Claims She Played Same Numbers For 2 Years
Rebecca Jemison Wins $162 Million

UPDATED: 12:19 p.m. EST January 6, 2004

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- A South Euclid woman turned in the winning $162 million Mega Millions Lottery ticket Tuesday.

Rebecca Jemison said she has played the winning numbers for the past two years. She picked the numbers randomly and even played them the Friday before. She never thought she would win this big.

"I had a feeling, something told me to go play them again one more time," Jemison said.

Her only plans are for she and her husband to relocate.

The winning ticket was verified one day after Elecia Battle said that she dropped the winning ticket in the parking lot outside the South Euclid store where she bought it, NewsChannel5 reported.

The frenzy sent more than 100 people out to where the store is located to search for the ticket.

Jemison, who works at Hillcrest Hospital. was presented the check by the Ohio Lottery officials Tuesday.

Winner's Husband
Winner Speaks

"I knew the proof I had. I didn't worry," Jemison said.

She said after the initial shock that she wanted to consult an attorney and an accountant. Jemison even went to work on Jan. 2. She was in the middle of organizing her affairs when NewsChannel5 reported that Battle claimed ownership of a lost ticket.

Jemison and the lottery will let the authorties handle the case with Battle.

Jemison and her husband, Sam, 40, have a 12-year-old daughter. She joked that they would be going to Disney World.

Jemison chose the cash option. That will net her $67.2 million after taxes.

Battle had told police last week that she dropped her purse and didn't realize the ticket had fallen out until after the drawing.

Your right, nothing is cut and dry in law. Anyone could litigate something to death.

But in this case, I dont see anything that says this ticket is rightfully Mrs Battle's. And the rules of the lottery says "finders keepers". Legally, she can try to get it i guess just like I could legaly sue Mrs Jamison saying its mine because "I dont make enough" as my reason.