James Shannon Farthing, who won a record-breaking $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in Kentucky, was arrested just days after collecting his prize. Farthing, 50, bought the ticket in Georgetown and promised to share the money with his mother, Linda Grizzle, who said the funds would help pay off her debts.
Despite plans to manage the money with a financial advisor, Farthing and his girlfriend were taken into custody at a Florida resort following an alleged fight. Reports say Farthing punched a hotel guest and kicked a sheriff’s deputy trying to stop the incident.
He posted an $11,000 bail and is scheduled for arraignment on July 14. Farthing pleaded not guilty but faces up to five years in prison. His criminal history includes over 30 years behind bars for various crimes across multiple Kentucky counties, such as assault, bribery, and drug offenses.
Farthing’s criminal behavior began in his youth with theft and reckless driving. He also smuggled marijuana into prison and involved his mother in illegal activities. His jackpot is the largest ever won in Kentucky, with the option of annual payments or a lump sum of $77.3 million.
