Kentucky man who won Powerball jackpot lands in Florida jail days later
James S. Farthing, a Kentucky man, was arrested for kicking a police officer in Florida just days after winning a $167 million Powerball jackpot, which he intended to share with his mother. The arrest occurred when a deputy attempted to intervene in a fight involving Farthing at a hotel, leading to charges of battery and resisting arrest. Despite his recent financial windfall, Farthing has a history of legal troubles, having been arrested multiple times in Kentucky for assault and domestic violence. His winnings, the largest ever in Kentucky's Powerball history, were celebrated with his mother, who expressed relief at the financial freedom it would provide. Farthing reflected on past mistakes and the stress he caused his mother, seeing the winnings as a chance for a fresh start and to repay her support.
James S. Farthing, who goes by Shannon, was arrested in Florida for kicking a police officer during a hotel altercation, mere days after winning a $167 million Powerball jackpot in Kentucky.
The altercation involved a fight between Farthing and another person, during which a Pinellas County Sheriff's deputy was kicked in the face while trying to diffuse the situation.
Farthing's legal issues extend beyond this incident, as he has a history of arrests in Kentucky for charges including assault and domestic violence, reflecting a pattern of troubled behavior.
The Powerball win, the largest in Kentucky's history, was shared with his mother, Linda Grizzle, who expressed her intention to use the money to pay off her debts and improve their lives.
Farthing and his mother were given the option of taking a cash payout of $77.3 million or 30 annual payments, with the winning numbers being 1-12-14-18-69 and Powerball 2.
Despite the jackpot win, Farthing's past actions have caused significant stress for his mother, who he acknowledges has been supportive despite his poor decisions.
Farthing viewed the lottery win as a divine blessing and an opportunity to correct past mistakes, emphasizing his maintained faith and desire to support his mother.