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Cops: Store Owner, Son Arrested for Deceiving $1M Lottery Winner

A grocery store owner and his son were arrested Friday for shortchanging a $1 million lottery winner so they could claim the winnings for themselves, Nassau County police said.

The father and son—57-year-old Nabil Jaghab and 26-year-old Karim Jaghab, both of East Meadow—were charged with grand larceny.

Police said the 34-year-old “Unwrap the Cash” scratch off New York State Lottery ticket jackpot winner became suspicious of Karim Jaghab who allegedly paid the man $1,000 for the $1 million ticket when he went to redeem it Thursday.

Authorities were called to the Peninsula Deli & Grocery one day later when the man returned and questioned the clerk about his winnings, police said. Kairm Jaghab allegedly told the victim, “Ok, I will pay you $10,000 as long as you don’t involve the police.” His father also told the man he was only a $10,000 winner.

Police recovered the winning ticket during their investigation and arrested the store owner and his son for allegedly deceiving the victim so they could claim the winnings for themselves, police said.

Authorities also said Karim and Nabil Jaghab failed to follow proper protocol when dealing with lottery winners. According to police, any prize worth more than $600 can only be redeemed at a New York State Lottery office.

They will be arraigned Saturday at First District Court in Hempstead.