Right winners claim 2003 lottery jackpot

TORONTO, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Ontario Lottery officials say they have identified the seven rightful winners of a $12.5 million jackpot dating back to 2003.

The winners were colleagues in construction in 2003, the Toronto Star reported. They say they have moved on with new jobs and family responsibilities but they are still friends.

Adam Barnett, 32, of Grimsby said at a news conference Thursday that in 2003 they were all living "the party life."

"It's way better that we won now," he said.

They have also gained more than $2 million because interest has boosted the jackpot to $14.85 million ($14.83 million U.S.).

The Super 7 ticket sold Dec. 26, 2003, has had a complicated history. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission says that Kenneth Chung, owner of a variety store in Burlington stole a free-play ticket from its rightful owner and that free ticket then won the jackpot, which Kenneth's sister, Kathleen, claimed.

The Chungs and their father were charged with fraud last year.

"After more than seven long years, the right prize is going to the right people," Lottery and Gaming Commission Chairman Paul Godfrey said.