Carol Stream man wins $250,000 lottery

For years, Carol Stream resident Robert Alleman has played the lottery.

He never expected to win much more than $10, but he once collected a modest $200 payout. Now, that amount has been blown out of the water.

On Jan. 4, Alleman played a Mega Millions ticket and was one of four Illinois residents to win $250,000.

“It felt like my heart was going to fall out of my chest and I couldn't stop shaking,” he said.

Alleman said he had to have his boss double check the numbers. When the winnings were verified, Alleman said he took the rest of the day off of work.

That Mega Millions jackpot was at a near-record $380 million. Alleman and three others in Illinois matched five numbers but missed the Mega Ball. Two other players, from Idaho and Washington, won the big prize.

But Alleman said his windfall was enough for him to pay his bills and plan a trip to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

“I feel a lot less pressure now that I know I can pay off my bills,” he said.

The ticket was sold at 7-Eleven, 1390 Army Trail Road. The convenience store will receive $2,500 for selling the ticket.