The anonymous Maine winner of the $1.3 billion Mega Millions jackpot has moved to dismiss his federal lawsuit against the mother of his child after a judge ruled he could not keep his identity secret during the court battle. Known in legal filings as “John Doe,” the winner decided to drop his case rather than have his real name exposed to the public. He originally sued his ex-partner, referred to as “Sara Smith,” for allegedly violating a non-disclosure agreement by revealing the historic lottery win to his family.
The choice between anonymity and a lawsuit
The legal conflict began in November 2023, less than a year after the winner secured the massive jackpot. According to court records, Smith had signed a non-disclosure agreement promising to keep the jackpot a secret until their daughter turns 18 in 2032. This agreement was designed to prevent the media and the public from discovering the family’s assets, identities, and location. In exchange for her silence, Doe agreed to provide Smith with financial support and private security resources.
The agreement broke down when Doe discovered that his sister, father, and stepmother had learned about the lottery prize. Believing Smith was the source of the leak, Doe filed a federal lawsuit seeking damages for the breach of contract. The situation escalated when Smith counter-sued, denying she leaked the news and accusing Doe of surveillance, harassment, and attempting to restrict her contact with their daughter. During the court proceedings, Doe admitted that he was actually the one who had disclosed the win to his father and stepmother, which directly contradicted his initial accusations.
Court rules wealth does not justify secrecy
In April 2025, U.S. District Judge John Woodcock issued a ruling denying Doe’s request to keep his name private throughout the trial. The judge stated that the public has a constitutional right of access to federal court proceedings and that possessing vast wealth is not a legally sufficient reason to hide one’s identity in a court of law. Judge Woodcock noted that by continuing the lawsuit, Doe would lose the very privacy he filed the lawsuit to protect.
Presented with the choice of dropping the lawsuit or having his name added to public court documents, Doe chose to file a motion to dismiss. However, the legal battle is not entirely over. Smith’s attorney, Peter Brann, announced plans to oppose the motion because Doe filed it “without prejudice,” meaning he could theoretically refile the same lawsuit in the future. Smith’s legal team wants the case dismissed with prejudice to prevent any further litigation. The defense has until October 5 to submit their formal response.
Background on the 2023 Maine Mega Millions jackpot
The lawsuit stems from one of the largest lottery wins in U.S. history. On January 13, 2023, a single ticket matched all six numbers to win a $1.348 billion jackpot. The ticket was purchased at the Hometown Gas & Grill in Lebanon, Maine. The winner opted for the lump-sum cash option, which totaled $723,564,144 before state and federal taxes.
Lottery players face major financial decisions when claiming prizes, specifically choosing between a lump-sum cash option or annuity payments. Under Maine state law, lottery winners cannot remain anonymous if they claim the prize in their own name. To protect his privacy, the winner claimed the jackpot through a limited liability company, La Promesse de la Vie LLC. This allowed him to keep his personal name off the official state lottery registry, though the subsequent federal lawsuit eventually threatened this arrangement.
How Mega Millions is played
To play the game, participants must understand how Mega Millions works. Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Each ticket costs $2. Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Players who want to review past winning combinations can consult the Mega Millions results history to analyze historical draw data.
Familiarizing yourself with the rules of the multi-state lottery is essential for anyone participating in the game. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302.5 million. The table below outlines the prize tiers and the exact odds of winning each category.
| Match Category | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|
| 5 Numbers + Mega Ball (Jackpot) | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| 5 Numbers | 1 in 12,607,306 |
| 4 Numbers + Mega Ball | 1 in 931,001 |
| 4 Numbers | 1 in 38,792 |
How to play online
In jurisdictions where online lottery sales are permitted, players can purchase tickets through official state lottery platforms or authorized courier services. Utilizing these services allows players to play global lotteries from anywhere without needing to visit a physical retailer. If you want to participate in the next drawing, you can buy Mega Millions tickets online using secure, licensed platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lottery winner remain anonymous in Maine?
No, Maine law requires the state to release the identity of lottery winners who claim prizes under their own names. However, winners can maintain privacy by claiming their prizes through a legal entity such as a trust or a limited liability company.
How much did the Maine Mega Millions winner receive after taxes?
The winner selected the cash option of $723.5 million. After federal withholding taxes of 24% and Maine’s state tax of 7.15% were applied, the initial payout was reduced by over $225 million, leaving an estimated net payout of approximately $498 million, subject to additional federal income taxes at tax filing time.
What happens if a lottery winner’s identity is revealed?
Winners of massive jackpots often face significant security, privacy, and personal challenges, which is why many attempt to use legal structures to conceal their identities from the public and extended family members.
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