Maine Mega Millions Winner Seeks to End Privacy Suit as Court Orders Public Trial

In early 2023 the winner of a $1.35 billion Maine Mega Millions ticket, who collected the prize via a Delaware-registered LLC, sued his former partner for alleged violations of a non-disclosure agreement intended to shield their minor child’s identity. The ex-partner, an emergency-room nurse, denied the claim, saying the suit was a tactic in their custody battle. After the Maine Trust for Local News intervened, U.S. District Judge John Woodcock refused to seal the case or allow pseudonyms, and the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that ruling, rejecting the winner’s arguments about privacy and wealth.

With the appellate opinion released, the plaintiff filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that any judgment would inevitably disclose his personal information. His attorneys, Louise Aponte and Gregory Brown, said the deposition satisfied their concerns and that the alleged breaches could be mitigated without further litigation. The woman’s counsel, Peter Brann, has until Oct. 5 to respond, and a judge must ultimately approve the dismissal.