A Kentucky man who won a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot last year has been sentenced to time served after pleading guilty to charges stemming from an incident at a Florida resort.
According to reports, James Farthing, 50, reached a plea deal after prosecutors said he kicked a sheriff’s deputy during a confrontation at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach.
Farthing was initially charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer after the incident. However, court records show he later pleaded guilty to reduced misdemeanor charges related to the altercation.
Police were called to the resort after reports of a heavily tattooed man causing a disturbance at the bar and attempting to fight several people while shouting that he was a millionaire. Authorities said the situation escalated when another guest called him “delusional,” prompting Farthing to punch the man in the face.
During the struggle, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to break up the fight. Investigators said Farthing tried to kick the other guest but instead struck the deputy in the face. Authorities said Farthing then attempted to run toward the exit before officers used a Taser to subdue him.
Farthing pleaded guilty Friday to misdemeanor battery and obstruction. He was fined $1,000 and sentenced to time served, which amounted to nine days in county jail. His attorney said he also completed an eight-hour anger management class.
Farthing has a lengthy criminal history, reportedly spending about 30 years in jail for various offenses including drug-related crimes, tampering with evidence and receiving stolen property.
In a previous interview with a Kentucky television station after winning the lottery, Farthing said he had turned his life around and was grateful for the opportunity.
However, he is now facing another legal issue in Kentucky. Police arrested Farthing in February on a felony intimidation charge related to a party at his home, where officers reportedly found a handgun in a clothes dryer along with ammunition, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Authorities also said several people at the residence were known felons.
Farthing is scheduled to appear in court again on April 2 in connection with the Kentucky case
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