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Powerball winner pays back child support

PASSAIC, N.J., April 1 (UPI) -- The New Jersey man who won last week's $338 million Powerball jackpot paid $30,000 in back child support to satisfy an outstanding warrant, his lawyer said.

Petro Quezada of Passaic paid his bill ahead of a Monday court appearance, NorthJersey.com reported.

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Officials said Quezada, the father of five, owed approximately $29,000 in child support for three of the children.

"You're a special person now because of the good fortune you've had. But invest in your children. That's the best investment you can make," said Superior Court Judge Ernest M. Caposela, who heads the Family Division.

Caposela said the only reason for Monday's hearing was to review Quezada's debt and bring it up to date.

"The only purpose of this proceeding today was to collect the arrearage," the judge said. "I commend you for doing that today -- for paying in full."

Outside of the courthouse, Quezada's attorney, Paul Fernandez, said the past-due child support was "behind him now."

"He's paid and overpaid the amount that was due," Fernandez said. "He is thankful this is over with. His children are with him. He's a family man and this is all concluded."

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Fernandez denied rumors that Quezada would pay neighbors' rent on the street where he and his family run a bodega.

Quezada emigrated from the Dominican Republic 26 years ago and has said his children range in age from 5 to 23 years old, NorthJersey.com said. He chose to receive his jackpot winnings in a lump-sum payment, about $152 million after taxes.

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