Phoenix Man Defends $12.8M Lotto Win Amid Circle K Dispute
The morning began routinely for Robert Gawlitza, manager of a north Phoenix Circle K, until an employee informed him a winning $12.8 million lottery ticket had been printed at their store. Gawlitza, after clocking out and changing, purchased the ticket believing it was permissible, intending to split the winnings with two employees. However, Circle K quickly rescinded their initial approval, confiscated the ticket, and subsequently fired Gawlitza, who then faced a lawsuit from the company to determine the ticket’s rightful ownership. Gawlitza, now with legal representation, is pressing his claim, asserting he followed company policy and seeking to clear his name amidst the unprecedented controversy.
John Q. Hosedrinker