We’ve all had that moment. You’re sitting in a drive-thru, maybe at 1:00 a.m., staring at a greasy bag of McDonald's, and you think: What if I just didn't go back? For Powerball winner Julie Leach, that wasn’t just a daydream. It became a reality in a way that most people only see in movies.
Back in September 2015, Julie was a 50-year-old supervisor at a fiberglass factory in Three Rivers, Michigan. She had been there for 23 years. Think about that for a second. Two decades of "nasty, dirty" work, as she later described it. She was working the third shift—the graveyard shift—when her life essentially exploded in the best way possible.
She bought $20 worth of tickets at a Shell gas station on her way to work. Just a normal, boring routine. But when she checked those numbers while waiting for her cheeseburger, she realized she had won a $310.5 million jackpot.
She quit her job. Instantly.
The $140 Million Handshake
Most people see the big number—$310 million—and assume that’s what hits the bank account. It doesn't. Not even close. Julie had a choice: take the full amount over 30 years or grab the cash up front.
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She took the lump sum.
Basically, that $310.5 million turned into a one-time payment of roughly **$197.4 million**. Then the taxman showed up. After federal and state withholdings, she walked away with about $140 million. Still a staggering amount of money, but it’s a wild reminder of how much "winning" actually costs.
What did she actually do with the money?
Unlike some lottery winners who blow it all on gold-plated Ferraris or bad crypto investments, Julie’s goals were surprisingly grounded. She didn't want a mansion in Malibu. She wanted her family close.
- The "Family Compound": Julie and her partner of 36 years, Vaughn Avery, talked about buying a large plot of land in Michigan. The goal was to build houses for their kids and grandkids—a literal private community where they could live together.
- Retirement for Everyone: She didn't just quit her job; she made sure her kids could quit theirs too. She was very vocal about not wanting them to have to "toil" the way she did for 23 years.
- The Travel Bug: There was talk of trips to Alaska and Hawaii. Simple, classic American bucket-list stuff.
The Dark Side: Why You Still See Her Name in 2026
If you search for Powerball winner Julie Leach today, you aren't just finding feel-good stories about her new house. You’re finding scams. Lots of them.
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Scammers are incredibly lazy but very persistent. Because Julie was so public about her win—appearing in that famous press conference with her "I quit" story—her name became a goldmine for "419" scams and phishing operations.
Honestly, it’s a mess.
As recently as early 2026, people are still reporting Facebook messages and texts claiming to be from the "Julie Leach Foundation." These messages usually promise you $800,000 or $2 million if you just "pay a small fee" or provide your bank details.
Let’s be clear: Julie Leach is not sending you a DM. There is no "Julie Leach Giveaway Program."
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The fact that her name is still being used eleven years later shows the "curse" of the public lottery win. In Michigan, at the time she won, you couldn't remain anonymous. You had to stand there with the giant check. That one afternoon of publicity turned her into a permanent target for international fraud rings.
Lessons from the Three Rivers Jackpot
Looking back at Julie’s story, it’s a mix of ultimate freedom and a loss of privacy. She got exactly what she wanted: she never had to step foot in that fiberglass plant again.
But she also became a "moving target."
If you’re ever lucky enough to hold a winning ticket, Julie’s experience offers some pretty solid roadmaps. First, get a financial advisor immediately (which she did—he was actually at the press conference with her). Second, understand that the "lump sum" is going to be significantly less than the headline number.
Actionable Steps for the "What If" Scenario
- Sign the back of the ticket: This is the most basic rule. If you lose it and it’s not signed, anyone can claim it.
- Shut up: Before you tell your neighbors or post on TikTok, call a lawyer. You need to set up a trust if your state allows for anonymous claims.
- Change your settings: If your name goes public, like Julie's did, change your phone number and scrub your social media. The "long-lost cousins" and scammers will find you within hours.
Julie Leach’s story is the ultimate "take this job and shove it" anthem. She traded 23 years of night shifts for a lifetime of family security. Just remember that in the world of big lottery wins, the money is the easy part—managing the world’s reaction to it is the real work.
To protect yourself from the types of scams currently using Julie's name, never share personal financial info via social media or email, regardless of how "official" the lottery winner's story sounds. Real winners don't recruit strangers for payouts.