Construction workers sue over Mega Millions lottery ticket

ELIZABETH, N.J. – Five New Jersey construction workers are suing a former colleague who claims he was the sole winner of a $38.5 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot.

The workers said they and Americo Lopes were members of a weekly lottery pool. They said each person would contribute $2 and Lopes would buy the tickets.

Lopes said he played the lottery by himself and as a member of the pool. He claims the winning ticket in the November 2009 drawing was one he bought for himself.

Lopes chose the lump-sum payment option and received $24 million. The five plaintiffs are seeking an even split of that money, meaning they and Lopes would get $4 million each.

The trial in the civil lawsuit began Tuesday in Union County.