AUSTIN, Texas » A man who says he is the rightful owner of a stolen $1 million winning lottery ticket wants the Texas Lottery Commission to pay him.

A clerk at a Grand Prairie convenience store is being sought on allegations that he cashed the Mega Millions ticket presented in May by Willis Willis.

Authorities believe the clerk, now indicted on a charge of claiming a lottery prize by fraud, fled to Nepal after about $750,000 was transferred to him.

About half of the money has been recovered from U.S. banks. Prosecutor Patricia Robertson says that money is being held and some will be returned to the victim.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Willis' attorney plans to meet with the lottery's general counsel next week.

Willis said Tuesday he'd "just like to get the money that's due me."

A commission spokesman declined comment.