News writer
For most lottery winners, a life-changing jackpot marks a fresh start, but for one Kentucky man, the headlines haven't stopped since the big win. Less than a year after claiming a record $167.3 million Powerball jackpot, James Farthing is back in custody following yet another arrest, adding to a growing list of legal troubles that have followed him since his historic payout.
Another arrest for record lottery winner
In April 2025, James Farthing, 51, won a $167.3 million prize playing Powerball. This happened to be the biggest jackpot ever for Kentucky Lottery players. Since then, it has been a bumpy road for Farthing, including multiple arrests in Kentucky and one time in Florida.
Around 7:20 p.m. on March 28, 2026, officers from the Lexington Police Department were called to the 3000 block of Kenesaw Drive for a reported burglary.
During the investigation, officers talked with the victim, who lived at the residence. The victim said Farting allegedly entered the house illegally through a side door. Court records state she was missing $12,000 in cash from her bedroom.
Officials said Farthing broke into the home, but he fled the scene before officers arrived.
Around 8:00 p.m. on March 28, Farthing was located in the parking lot of Red Mile Gaming & Racing. He was taken into custody, and no injuries were reported.
Farthing was charged with second-degree burglary and possession of marijuana. He was booked into the Fayette County Detention Center and posted a $10,000 cash bond on March 29.
Third arrest since the big win
As we stated, this isn't Farthing’s first run-in with the law since his big lottery win. Farthing was caught in Florida a few days after he claimed the award. He was charged with assaulting a policeman.
For that charge, Farthing asked to serve the time in jail. He waived his right to a probable cause hearing. He was scheduled for release from prison in August 2025.
On February 11, 2026, police were called to a residence in Kentucky from a woman seeking help with someone at her house who was armed and attempting to harm her. Police arrived at the scene and found a gun and marijuana inside the house.
For these charges, he was taken into custody, and he was accused of intimidating a participant in the legal process. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 2.
Court records also show that he was previously charged with a hit-and-run incident in Lexington. Now, he's being charged with burglary and possession of marijuana.
A lengthy rap sheet
Before even winning the lottery, Farthing had a long criminal history. Court records state he was on parole through August 2025 for previous Kentucky charges, including:
- Tampering with evidence.
- Engaging in organized crime.
- Drug charges.
- Receiving stolen property.
- Theft by unlawful taking.
While he has a history of criminal activity, has the lottery win intensified it for Farthing? The arrests keep piling up, that's for sure.
Enjoy playing the Kentucky Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
