Boating dispute leads to another arrest for $167.3M Powerball winner

Winning a life-changing lottery jackpot doesn't guarantee a quiet life. Just over a year after claiming a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot, Kentucky winner James Farthing is once again making headlines. Farthing has once again been arrested following an alleged boating-related dispute. The latest case marks Farthing's fourth arrest since his record-setting lottery win in April 2025.

New arrest follows alleged assault

According to reports, Farthing, 51, was arrested on Monday, July 27, 2026, in Scott County, Kentucky, after an alleged altercation with a woman following a boating trip.

The report states the woman told police an argument had escalated on Sunday morning. Farthing then allegedly grabbed her by the neck, leaving visible marks.

The victim also claimed the incident may have been captured by a Ring camera inside the residence.

Farthing has been arrested and charged with strangulation and assault. He appeared in court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty.

The legal issues have been piling up

Ever since the big lottery win, the legal issues have been piling up for Farthing. A few days after his record-breaking win, Farthing was arrested in Florida and charged with assaulting a policeman. Farthing asked to serve the time in jail, so he waived his right to a probable cause hearing. He was scheduled for release from prison in August 2025.

Then, in February 2026, officers were called to a home after a woman claimed someone at the house was armed and attempting to hurt her. Marijuana and a gun were found inside the home. After an investigation, Farthing was charged with intimidating a participant in the legal process.

Court records also state that Farthing was on parole through August 2025. He was on parole for previous Kentucky charges, which included tampering with evidence, engaging in organized crime, drug charges, receiving stolen property, and theft by unlawful taking.

A legal rollercoaster

It's been an up-and-down road for Farthing. He was arrested again in March 2026, this time being charged with possession of marijuana and burglary.

However, in May 2026, those charges were dropped. This was after the alleged victim admitted in court that she had found the supposed missing cash. Because of that testimony, the case was dismissed.

On July 6, 2026, a grand jury indicted Farthing for a car crash that took place in November 2025. He was accused of endangering the life of the crash victim and failing to stop and see if anyone was hurt before leaving the scene.

Farthing was officially charged with wanton endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident while failing to render aid.

From those charges, he was scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. on August 7 in Fayette Circuit Court. Judge Diane Minnifield will be presiding over the case.

Jackpot winners often become public figures in states where their identity must be disclosed. Because of this, their lives can receive a ton of media attention for years after claiming their prize.

This latest arrest for Farthing is just a reminder that while winning hundreds of millions of dollars can dramatically change someone's financial future, it doesn't shield them from legal issues or the consequences of their own actions.

Enjoy playing the Kentucky Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.