Powerball jackpot winner Theodorus Struyck’s neighbors want him to get security, fear abduction after $1.765B prize: report

Neighbors of California’s newest Powerball billionaire are worried some “shady” person could abduct the man if he isn’t careful with how he spends his new fortune, according to a report.

Theodorus “Theo” Struyck, 65 represents the group who claimed the $1.76 billion Powerball jackpot and reportedly placed “no trespassing” signs on his Frazier Park residence.

“We’re keeping an eye out but you worry about shady people up to no good,” neighbor Kevin Woten told the US Sun. “I’m worried someone might come by and put a sack over his head, throw him in a van, and take him off, that sort of thing.”

“I’m hoping he’ll look into security (when he returns). You have to with that amount of money.”

“If he needs any security he’ll be fine, I have Jake here [his dog] and we’re cheap,” Dan Perry, owner of ANC Fireworks told the outlet. “If I lived here I would not want to be named, now he has a big bullseye on his back.”

California law mandates jackpot winners be named along with their location.

Depending on which state the jackpots are won in, there are varying requirements on how much personal information is made public for winners.

Perry suggested Struyck donate some money back into the town to help it out.

“This town needs every bit of help it can get,” the business owner said. “It’s one of those rural towns in California that’s kind of neglected by Sacramento, the economy has been down for years.”

“It would be great if he could open a business or something like that, but If I lived here I’d get the hell out, get a nice little place in Santa Barbara or something.”

Struyck’s current whereabouts are unknown, but the outlet reported that the grandfather is believed to be visiting family in San Diego.

“I said, ‘I wonder if he’s on an around-the-world vacation right now’ I couldn’t blame him at all,” Woten added.

Struyck purchased the ticket from Midway Market & Liquor store, only 500 yards from his home in the mountainous community.

Customers have continuously flocked to Midway Market hoping the store will give a second stroke of luck and produce another lottery grand prize winner.

“It’s funny the amount of people going back to the market after the win like lightning’s going to strike twice,” Perry said.

Powerball players have another chance to win the grand prize after no ticket matched the numbers for Saturday night’s drawing, increasing the coveted prize to $800 million.

The winning numbers were 6, 23, 25, 34, 51 and red Powerball 3.

Neighbors believe Struyck will continue to live in the small mountainous town where he won the life-changing jackpot five months ago.

Struyck’s win, announced earlier this month by the California State Lottery, was the second largest in lottery history, only $28 million behind Edwin Castro’s 2022 win.

“I don’t think he’s gonna move. He’s happy where he’s at, he’s not in the city, no offense, it’s quiet here,” Woten said. “He’s out mountain biking and fishing, enjoying his retirement.”

“I hope he doesn’t sell, he’s a great neighbor, he’s completely humble.”

“He’s probably not going to move, and he’ll just be the guy that lives in the neighborhood that won the lotto and we’ll just leave it at that you know.”

Regardless of Struyck’s decision, Woten says he’s going to continue living next to him as normal.

“We’ll still do the same thing, we’ll drive down the street and wave at each other, we’ll catch up on news and stuff, and we’ll go about our business. He’ll just have an incredible amount of money.