2 Long Islanders Win Multi-Million Dollar Lottery Prizes

LONG ISLAND, NY - Two Long Island residents became millionaires on Friday after winning the New York Lottery.

Patchogue resident, Maria Idrovo, 21, and Lake Ronkonkoma resident Michael Pugh, 28, were both presented with their ceremonial prize checks by the New York Lottery's Yolanda Vega at the Lottery’s Customer Service Center in Plainview.

Idrovo was given a Set for Life scratch-off ticket by a family member and is now $5,000,000 richer.

She scratched off matching 13s earning her the jackpot prize.

“Plain shock,” is how Idrovo explained her thoughts after realizing she won.

“I read the game and thought I won so I took it to a local store to confirm. It turned out to be a winner,” she said.

Idrovo chose to receive her prize as a one-time lump sum payment and will receive a net check totaling $2,591,133 after required withholdings.

Idrovo said her plans for the money include paying off her student loans, buying a new car and eventually a house.

The winning ticket was purchased at Thrifty Beverage at 1735 Goldbach Ave. in Ronkonkoma.

Pugh won his millions after he stopped for a scratch-off ticket on his way home from work. He scratched the $3,000,000 Mayhem ticket at red light while driving home and won the top prize.

“I started screaming with excitement!” Pugh said. “I bought this ticket because I’ve had luck on it in the past. I like the game.”

He also chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment and will receive a net check totaling
$1,598,884 after required withholdings.

“Right now, my only thought for the money is to set up college funds for our future children,” he said.

The life-changing ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven at 655 Route 25A in Kings Park.

There are still six outstanding top prizes available on the popular Set for Life ticket and one outstanding top prize available on the $3,000,000 Mayhem ticket.

Photos courtesy of the NY Lottery