Circle K Clerk Defends Cashing In a $12.8 Million Lottery Ticket Left Behind by a Customer

A Phoenix Circle K filed a complaint alleging a store clerk cashed a $12.8 million lottery ticket printed for a customer who did not complete the purchase, raising a dispute over ownership.According to a Thursday, July 9 ABC 15 report, Circle K says Robert Gawlitza redeemed the winning lottery ticket after $25 in unsold ‘The Pick’ tickets stayed at the store overnight. The Arizona Lottery is referenced as a partner, and the chain says the filing seeks clarity on rightful ownership.Gawlitza asserts he followed company policy, confirmed with a supervisor, and was later terminated despite two decades with the company, his attorney told the outlet. Circle K says it secured the ticket pending a court ruling on who owns it.