Idaho lottery winner may have to split it with estranged husband

Douglas Stanglin, USA TODAY • January 19, 2011

An Idaho woman who won half of the $380 million Mega Millions lottery may have to split it with her estranged husband, KPTV reports.

Holly Lahti's name is on the check for $190 million in the latest Mega Millions payout on a ticket bought in Post Falls, Idaho in January.

Holly, a bank clerk, and Joshua Lahti, 31, were married in 2001, but separated several years later, according to relatives, KPTV reports.

According to the Daily Mail of London, Joshua has been convicted of domestic battery, drug possession and buying alcohol for a minor and has been arrested more than a dozen times.

The Mail also reports that both Holly and Joshua were booked on battery charges in 2003 and jailed.

The report includes mug shots of the pair. Holly is shown with a black eye.

ABC reports that Holly was arrested on a battery charge against another woman that was later dismissed.

But with no record of divorce, Joshua, under Idaho community property law, appears well-positioned to claim half of his wife's winnings.

The Today show reports that Holly left with her two children and went to an undisclosed location shortly after winning the jackpot.