News writer
He went from posing with a giant lottery check to pleading to serve out his sentence — all in a matter of weeks. A Kentucky man who recently made headlines after winning a record-setting Powerball jackpot with his mother is back in the spotlight for a very different reason.
After initially pleading not guilty to charges stemming from a hotel altercation, James Farthing has abruptly changed course. What would make a brand-new millionaire decide to skip court and head straight to jail?
A change in pleas
James Farthing, 50, is facing several charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer and obstruction, just days after he and his mother won the largest Powerball prize ever awarded in Kentucky at the end of April.
Farthing was arrested after a reported fight at TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. After his arrest, he initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, authorities say now Farthing is waiving his right to a probable cause hearing and the final revocation hearing. Instead, he requested to serve out the rest of his sentence.
According to the Kentucky Parole Board, he is expected to be released from jail on August 27, 2025.
A wild ride for Farthing
It has definitely been a wild few weeks for Farthing and his family. On April 26, Farthing purchased the winning $2 Powerball ticket.
The following day, he discovered his ticket had matched all of the winning numbers drawn the night before and he won the $167 million jackpot. He wasted no time and started to do interviews with the media, even before claiming the money.
On Monday, he headed to lottery headquarters with his mother and girlfriend and claimed the prize. All three of them posed with the ceremonial check in Louisville.
Just two days later, on Wednesday, Farthing was booked into a Pinellas County, Florida, jail.
What led up to the arrest?
According to arrest reports, Farthing was arrested after a fight was reported at TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach on Tuesday, April 29. Farthing allegedly punched a hotel guest in the face. Officers arrived at the scene and tried to intervene, but that is when Farthing allegedly kicked an officer in the face. He then tried to run away from the scene, but police were able to catch him.
Farthing was charged with a felony count of battery on a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor charges of resisting an officer, battery, and violating parole. He was being held without bond because of a parole violation out of Kentucky.
Lengthy criminal history
While he was riding high from the lottery win, the run-in with the law wasn't the first time for Farthing. Court records state he was on parole through August 2025.
Farthing 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.
As far as the $167 million jackpot goes, Farthing and his mother, Linda Grizzle, said they planned on splitting the money 50-50. They planned on paying off debt with the money.
However, they still hadn't decided whether to receive the payout in 30 annual payments or take the lump sum cash option of $77.3 million. They were reportedly consulting with financial advisers to determine the best option. That option may have to wait, as Farthing is still behind bars.
Enjoy playing the Kentucky Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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