A Kentucky man who made headlines after winning a $167 million Powerball jackpot is now behind bars in Florida, facing multiple criminal charges.
James Farthing, of Georgetown, Kentucky, was arrested early Wednesday morning in Pinellas County for allegedly assaulting a police officer. The arrest came just days after Farthing claimed the record-breaking lottery prize, which he had purchased at Clark’s Pump N Shop in Georgetown.
According to police, Farthing struck the arresting officer with a closed fist and then kicked him in the face. Officers reported that Farthing resisted arrest and refused to follow commands. He now faces charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and general battery. Authorities also noted that Farthing violated the terms of his parole.
Farthing was on parole until August 2025 for several prior convictions in Kentucky. His criminal record includes charges of tampering with evidence, organized crime involvement, drug offenses, receiving stolen property, and theft.
Just days earlier, Farthing had made Kentucky Lottery history by winning the state’s largest-ever prize. He and his mother, Linda Grizzle, chose to split the winnings and had the option of receiving either 30 annual payments or a lump sum of $77.3 million. Grizzle said they planned to use the money to pay off debt. “It’s going to be a good Mother’s Day,” she told WKYT.
Farthing’s sudden rise to fortune has now taken a dramatic turn, as he remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
