A Chatham man involved in a lotto dispute is now suing the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for at least $825,000.
Maurice Thibeault has filed a statement of claim in court seeking $250,000 for a negligent investigation, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty and conspiracy.
It also seeks $500,000 in aggravated, exemplary and punitive damages along with $75,000 in special damages and the costs of defending himself.
He claims that he has been publicly denounced and ridiculed, and has suffered unwarranted pain, suffering, and mental distress.
The claim states that the OLG wrongfully halted its investigation on or about October 17, 2017 when Denise Robertson, Thibeault's ex-girlfriend in Chatham, refused to be interviewed by the OLG. Thibeault also says the OLG wrongfully declared its investigation complete on or about November 30, 2017, and refused to deliver the full prize money to Thibeault.
The claim against the AGCO states that it was negligent and breached its duty of care to him by putting its public relations interests ahead of the contractual, character and reputational interests of Thibeault. It also says the AGCO failed to comply with its own policies and procedures, and was derelict in its duty to inquire, monitor, and investigate the OLG.
He picked up half of the $6.1-million prize on January 4, 2018, and has requested the other half, but says the OLG has refused to deliver it. The claim states that the OLG has offered no evidence or basis to conclude that Thibeault is not entitled to his full portion of the winnings.
Thibeault claims he is the sole lawful and exclusive possessor of the winning Lotto 6/49 ticket bought in Chatham and drawn September 20, 2017. He also denies the existence of any agreement between him and Robertson to share any winning lottery ticket.
The claim states that Robertson waived her right to challenge or dispute Thibeault's right to claim the prize when she refused to be interviewed by the OLG during its investigation.
Thibeault says he left Robertson's home in Chatham on September 24, 2017, after relationship deteriorated.
He says he has been required to undergo medical treatment and psychological counselling because of this dispute.
He lived in Leamington for a while and now lives in Sarnia.
The OLG has 20 days to respond.