James Farthing, a 50-year-old resident of Georgetown, Kentucky, who recently claimed a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot, was arrested in Florida days after receiving the prize. He remains in custody at the Pinellas County Jail and is facing multiple charges, including felony battery on a law enforcement officer, battery, resisting arrest, and a parole violation out of Kentucky.
According to USA Today, Farthing purchased the winning Powerball ticket for the April 26, 2025, drawing at Clark’s Pump N Shop in Georgetown. On April 28, he and his mother, Linda Grizzle, claimed the prize at Kentucky Lottery headquarters. They opted for a lump-sum cash payout of approximately $77.3 million.
The jackpot was the largest ever awarded in Kentucky’s history.
During the prize claim, Farthing and Grizzle indicated that the money would be used in part to relieve financial burdens. No further financial plans were shared publicly. Farthing was joined by his girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, during the announcement.
Just one day after the public prize claim, Farthing was involved in a physical altercation at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
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According to the arrest affidavit, Farthing allegedly punched another hotel guest in the face. When a Pinellas County sheriff’s deputy attempted to break up the fight, Farthing allegedly kicked the deputy in the face, causing swelling and redness on the right side of the officer’s face.
The affidavit states that Farthing then attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended shortly after. He reportedly ignored verbal commands and resisted arrest. He was taken into custody and transported to the Pinellas County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.
Farthing has been charged with three counts: felony battery on a law enforcement officer, misdemeanor battery, and resisting an officer without violence. He is also being held for a parole violation stemming from previous convictions in Kentucky.
Jail records show Farthing has $295 in his commissary account. As of now, his legal representation has not issued a public response to the charges.
His girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, 42, was also taken into custody during the incident. Law enforcement reports state she appeared to be heavily intoxicated, was shouting incoherently, and attempted to fight other patrons in the bar. She was charged with disorderly intoxication, a misdemeanor, and later released.
According to public court records, Farthing was on parole in Kentucky at the time of his arrest. His parole was scheduled to continue through August 2025.
His criminal history includes convictions for tampering with physical evidence, engaging in organized crime, drug-related offenses, receiving stolen property, and theft by unlawful taking.
The Florida charges do not automatically affect his lottery winnings, which are classified as personal assets. However, any civil claims, court orders, or restitution mandates could potentially affect how those funds are used. No such legal actions have been announced as of this report.
Farthing’s arrest occurred only days after he made headlines for receiving the historic jackpot. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the arrest and charges.
If the Kentucky Department of Corrections determines that Farthing’s arrest in Florida violates the terms of his parole, he could face additional incarceration or other penalties in Kentucky. The legal outcome will depend on the proceedings in both Florida and Kentucky.
Farthing’s next court date has not yet been publicly announced. Fightmaster is not currently facing additional charges beyond the one count of disorderly intoxication.
As of now, Farthing remains in custody in Florida, with pending charges and parole review. Further updates will depend on court decisions and potential parole actions.
