Less than a year after winning a record $167 million Powerball jackpot, a Kentucky man has been arrested for the third time — now facing burglary and drug possession charges.
James Farthing, 51, of Georgetown, bought the winning ticket in April 2025, marking the largest lottery prize ever awarded in Kentucky. He shared the winnings with his mother.
Just four days after the win, Farthing was arrested during a late-night incident on a Florida beach while celebrating. He was accused of misdemeanor battery on a law enforcement officer. Body camera footage showed him kicking an officer in the face, attempting to flee, and being tased.
He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served after spending nine days in jail.
In February, Farthing was arrested again in Georgetown on an intimidation charge after a woman contacted police, saying she feared for her life.
On the night of February 11, Scott County deputies responded to a home after a 911 call reporting armed individuals inside. Officers found a .380 caliber firearm in a dryer.
The woman told investigators that Farthing had picked her up from her home in Lexington for a planned meeting and allegedly tried to pressure her into consuming a “gummy.”
Farthing told police the woman had been fine before leaving the group and said he had been searching for her when officers arrived. The case is still ongoing, with a court appearance scheduled for April.
Most recently, Farthing was arrested again on Friday, according to the Fayette County Detention Center. He now faces charges of second-degree burglary and marijuana possession.
Following his lottery win, Farthing told a local outlet, “I’ve caused a lot of stress on her [my mom], you know, I’ve made some bad decisions in life, and you know, God’s been good because I’ve kept my faith and done right, and something’s happened good for me.”
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