Jan. 19--If recent history proves precedent, California lottery officials could have a long wait before learning who bought the winning $528-million Powerball ticket at a Chino Hills 7-Eleven last week.
After six days of silence, the possibility appeared to be mounting that the winner of the largest payout in California history is following the last big Powerball winner by taking the deliberate path to riches: careful selection of a team of advisors.
That could take time.
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"Three to six months is not unrealistic," said Michael Eisenberg, an Encino certified public account and personal financial specialist.
Eisenberg said a winner would be wise to interview multiple trust attorneys, accountants and investment counselors.
"The word here is trust," he said. "You have to be comfortable and have the trust in the person you're going to be working with."
California's last big Powerball winner took six weeks to turn in the ticket. When he did, on April Fools' Day 2014, Bay Area resident B. Raymond Buxton made a choreographed appearance, said California Lottery spokesman Alex Traverso.
Buxton appeared with his lawyer, his accountant and his public relations consultant to claim the $425-million jackpot.
"He had taken some time as to how he wanted to do it, down to the shirt he wore," Traverso said.
It featured the "Star Wars" character Yoda, and read: "Luck of the Jedi I have."
When it came time for his photo, Buxton, knowing that his name would be made public, had a plan to protect the rest of his anonymity. He shielded his face with the oversized check for $242.2 million, the amount he received for taking the cash option.
Financial and tax consultants who advise those who have come into sudden wealth say the new winner is following the smart path to remain silent.
