Circle K worker seeks his share of $12.8 million lottery prize

A former Circle K employee is still fighting an uphill battle against the company for denying him a 50% share of an unclaimed $12.8 million lottery prize. The case has pitted the ex-store manager and the company in court, each arguing over who the rightful owner of the money is.

Robert Gawlitza, the manager, insists he's entitled to half of a $12.8 million lottery prize, citing historical precedent and his company's usual practices regarding unpaid printed tickets. Gawlitza's lawyer, Josh Kolsrud, argues that his client is typically responsible for covering any unpurchased tickets, and this situation should be no different. The issue arose in November when a customer at the Circle K on 56th Street and Bell Road in Arizona requested $85 in lottery tickets but paid only $60, leaving 25 tickets behind on the counter. These tickets could have been purchased by anyone. The next day, Gawlitza discovered one of the abandoned tickets matched all six winning numbers for the November 24 lottery, resulting in the $12.8 million jackpot now in dispute. The winning numbers—3, 13, 14, 15, 19, and 26—were left on the counter, and Gawlitza bought the ticket upon realizing it was the winner. He reported the win to the corporate office and suggested a 50-50 split, according to his attorney. Kolsrud points out there's an unwritten rule in the company that employees must pay for tickets they print but don't sell. So, if you accidentally print them out and they go unsold, it's common practice for the person who prints them to pay for them. If not that person, then the store manager, Kolsrud explained.

Circle K is pursuing a lawsuit filed in February, asking a Maricopa County court to determine the rightful owner of a ticket. Gawlitza, who had worked at the store for 20 years, was fired on January 30 after being informed he violated store policy. He loved his job and would love to return. He’s not there anymore because he chose to do the right thing. He followed every policy to the letter, yet he was fired for it, his attorney argued. As the case drags on, and everyone awaits a final ruling, the Arizona Lottery has been ordered to keep the money in an interest-bearing account, Kolsrud confirmed. A court has already ruled that the lottery will not decide who owns the ticket but will comply with the court's decision.