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Winner of $167.3 Million Powerball Arrested Days Later
May 5, 2025
A Kentucky man’s life took a dramatic turn just days after winning a record-setting $167.3 million Powerball jackpot—the largest in the state's history. James S. Farthing, 50, of Georgetown, Kentucky, was arrested in Florida on April 30, 2025, following an alleged altercation at a resort.
Kentucky Lottery
Farthing purchased the winning $2 Powerball ticket at Clark’s Pump-N-Shop in Georgetown. He and his mother, Linda Grizzle, claimed the prize on April 28, opting for a lump-sum payment of $77.3 million before taxes. Grizzle expressed plans to use the winnings to pay off debts, calling it a "good Mother's Day" gift.
However, celebrations were short-lived. Just two days later, Farthing was involved in an incident at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Farthing allegedly punched another hotel guest and kicked a responding deputy in the face during an attempt to break up the altercation. He was charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer, misdemeanor battery, resisting arrest, and a parole violation stemming from prior convictions in Kentucky
Farthing's girlfriend, 42-year-old Jacqueline Fightmaster, was also arrested for disorderly intoxication after reportedly causing a disturbance at the resort.
Farthing remains in custody at the Pinellas County Jail. His legal team has not issued a public statement regarding the charges.
This incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities that come with sudden wealth and the importance of support systems for lottery winners. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public watches closely to see how this unexpected twist in Farthing's life story will resolve.