Kentucky's Multi-Millionaire Lottery Winner Faces Seventh Arrest
A Kentucky man who became an overnight multi-millionaire after winning the state's largest-ever lottery fortune has found himself behind bars once again. James Farthing, aged 51, secured a staggering $167 million Powerball jackpot in April 2025, transforming from a career criminal into one of Kentucky's wealthiest residents. However, his newfound riches have not deterred his run-ins with the law.
A History of Legal Troubles
Public records reveal that Farthing was no stranger to the justice system long before his lottery win. He spent approximately 30 years in prison for various offenses, including burglary and escaping from jail. His criminal activities date back to 1994, with a rap sheet that now encompasses seven arrests across more than three decades.
According to reports, his past convictions include choking a girlfriend, bribing prison officers, and selling cocaine to an undercover police officer. In one notable case, Farthing even involved his mother, Linda Grizzle, in a scheme to smuggle marijuana into a maximum-security prison. He accepted a plea deal resulting in a 10-year sentence to protect his mother from legal consequences.
Arrests Following the Lottery Win
Just days after his monumental lottery win in 2025, Farthing's celebrations were abruptly halted. He was arrested on May 1 in Florida after allegedly assaulting a police officer. The incident involved Farthing punching another guest and then kicking a deputy who attempted to intervene. This arrest also led to parole violation charges, as he had left Kentucky without notifying his parole officer.
Farthing used a portion of his lottery winnings to post an $11,000 bail. He initially pleaded not guilty but later waived his right to hearings and requested to serve his sentence. After spending two months in jail, he was released in June 2025.
The Most Recent Incident
On February 11, Farthing was arrested for the seventh time in Kentucky. The arrest followed a 911 call from a woman who reported that people were threatening her with a weapon. She told police that individuals 'wanted to hurt her,' and officers discovered marijuana and a gun at the scene.
A criminal complaint, first reported by WKYT, detailed that Farthing had picked up the woman for a pre-arranged meetup. She informed officers that she felt pressured by Farthing to consume a 'gummy.' While being questioned by police, Farthing texted the woman, stating, 'Why would you do this to me? Unreal. I’d never hurt you.'
Following this arrest, Farthing was charged with intimidating a participant in the legal process. He posted a $5,000 cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court on April 2.
Background and Personal Life
Before his lottery win, Farthing was described as a drug dealer with only 10 years of formal schooling. However, he earned his GED while incarcerated. When he won the massive jackpot, he split the millions with his mother, Linda Grizzle. The pair were photographed beaming at a gas station as they collected the winning ticket.
At the time, Farthing told WSAZ, 'I’ve caused a lot of stress on her [my mom], you know, I’ve made some bad decisions in life, and you know, God’s been good because I’ve kept my faith and done right, and something’s happened good for me.' Despite this sentiment, his recent arrests suggest that his fortune has not led to a change in behavior.
Farthing's story serves as a stark reminder that wealth does not necessarily equate to a law-abiding life, as he continues to face legal challenges despite his multi-million dollar windfall.
