Man arrested days after winning $167M Powerball jackpot
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WKYT/Gray News) – A man from Kentucky who won a $167 million lottery prize Saturday was arrested early Wednesday morning in Florida.
According to police, James Farthing, of Georgetown, was taken into custody in Pinellas County after being accused of assaulting an officer.
EN ESPAÑOL: Arrestado dos días después de reclamar $167 millones del Powerball
Farthing bought the $2 Powerball ticket for last Saturday’s drawing and ended up making Kentucky lottery history with the largest prize ever awarded.
He posed for photos with the celebratory check on Monday, but by Wednesday morning, Farthing was arrested.
An arrest citation states Farthing was at a hotel Tuesday night when an officer tried to stop a fight.
One person told officers Farthing punched him during the altercation. The arresting officer said Farthing kicked him in the face and resisted arrest.
Farthing is charged with battery of a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer and battery as well as violating parole.
Farthing was on parole through August 2025 for charges in Kentucky. His court records include convictions of tampering with evidence, engaging in organized crime, drug charges, receiving stolen property and theft by unlawful taking.
Farthing was set to split his lottery winnings with his mother, who said she would use the money to pay off debt.
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