Pennsylvania judge shares $291 million Powerball jackpot

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- A state magistrate from eastern Pennsylvania is among three winners of a $291 million Powerball jackpot in Florida.

Senior District Judge James Stocklas of Bethlehem was at the end of his annual monthlong vacation when he bought the winning ticket on Tuesday. Stocklas returned to Pennsylvania and didn't check the ticket until Friday morning, while eating at a diner.

Stocklas tells The Morning Call of Allentown (http://bit.ly/1RMR1MJ ) that he began shaking when he realized he'd won, and bought everyone breakfast.

The judge purchased the lottery ticket with two other people. They immediately flew to Florida in a private jet to claim their winnings. They'll each get about $40 million after taxes.

Stocklas retired as a judge several years ago, but he continues filling in. He says he'll return to the bench next month.