Unclaimed Winning Lotto Ticket Sold In Rockford Worth $350K

There's somebody in Rockford right now wandering around with a winning lottery ticket.

The ticket is worth $350,000 according to Eyewitness News. It is also said to have been purchased at Mobil on 2622 Charles Street and "All five numbers were matched - 01 - 17 -25- 26 - 40 - to win the jackpot."

How does this happen? How does someone play the Illinois Lottery, pick their numbers, pay for the ticket and never make a claim to scoop up their winnings?

Thankfully Illinois Lottery folks are a patient people. Winning tickets can be turned in up to a year after the numbers are announced. Jackpot prize tickets need to be claimed no later than 60 days after the draw date according to Illinoislotterynumbers.net.

Interestingly, if you win a big prize and claim after the 60-day window, you can only "claim the prize as an annuity, which will be paid out over 26 years."

Sweet Lenny is the brand manager of 97ZOK and Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Rockford. Catch him afternoons 3 to 7 on 97ZOK. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram and like his page on Facebook.