RALEIGH — Cristen Breton, of Salisbury, stashed his winning $2 million scratch-off ticket in his microwave to keep it safe, officials with the N.C. Education Lottery said on Wednesday.
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“The cashier told me to go home and not tell anyone,” said Breton. “I put the ticket in the microwave to protect it from my dog.”
Breton bought his $20 Platinum ticket from Fast Stop of East Spencer on Andrews Street in Salisbury.
“I went into the store and bought three tickets,” said Breton. “The third one won. I thought it was a joke.”
Breton chose the lump sum of $1.2 million and took home $858,000 after taxes.
“The only thing I want to do is help my mom,” said Breton. “She deserves this.”
Breton also plans to repair his home.
Platinum debuted in August 2022 with four top prizes of $2 million and eight $100,000 prizes. Breton won the last top prize.