Recent $167m Lottery Winner Arrested for Allegedly Stealing $12,000 in Kentucky
A man who recently won a staggering $167 million Powerball lottery jackpot has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a house and stealing $12,000 in his home state of Kentucky, according to authorities. James Farthing's arrest on Saturday on charges of burglary and illicit marijuana possession represents at least his third run-in with the law since winning Kentucky's most lucrative lottery prize ever last year.
Surveillance Footage Captures Alleged Break-In
Police reports indicate that Farthing, 51, was captured on surveillance cameras at the side door of a woman's home in Lexington before unlawfully entering the property. The arrest citation, reported by local news outlet WKYT, states that the break-in victim heard a loud noise consistent with a door being forced open. After Farthing allegedly entered the home, she discovered that $12,000 was missing.
Officers later located Farthing at a casino and harness-racing track, taking him into custody in connection with the alleged burglary. During a search of his vehicle, police found marijuana and multiple blunts, including one that had burnt out in the car's ashtray, leading to the additional charge of illegal marijuana possession.
A History of Legal Troubles Before and After the Jackpot
According to the Smoking Gun website, Farthing had spent much of his life in and out of incarceration before he, his mother, and his girlfriend purchased the winning ticket for the $167 million Powerball jackpot in April 2025. The win presented them with a significant decision: whether to collect the full amount in annual increments over 29 years or immediately as a one-time lump sum of $77.3 million.
Farthing and his family stated they would consult with a financial adviser before choosing the best option for their circumstances. As Farthing explained to WKYT, the win resulted from persistent participation. "I'm always buying [lottery tickets] 'cause I'm like, 'Somebody's gotta win,'" he said.
Multiple Arrests Following the Lottery Win
However, Farthing's legal troubles continued shortly after his windfall. Within days of winning, officials in Florida reported that he hit a hotel guest in the face, kicked a deputy, and violated his parole conditions by leaving Kentucky without permission. He pleaded guilty to that case in early March as part of a deal that required him to pay $1,000 in fines but spared him additional jail time.
Furthermore, in February, Kentucky authorities arrested Farthing on allegations that he attempted to intimidate a participant in a legal process. Investigators stated that the alleged victim reported meeting Farthing and being pressured into consuming a marijuana edible. The woman later called police, reporting that individuals with a weapon wanted to harm her.
Officers responding to the scene allegedly found marijuana and a firearm. While the victim was being questioned, police accused Farthing of sending her a text message that read: "Why would you do this to me? Unreal. I'd never hurt you."
Pending Court Dates and Separate Legal Case
Farthing was tentatively scheduled to appear in court for the burglary case on Monday and for the intimidation charge on Thursday. Additionally, he reportedly has a separate hit-and-run case pending, further complicating his legal situation.
This series of incidents highlights the complex challenges that can accompany sudden wealth, particularly for individuals with prior legal histories. Farthing's case continues to unfold as he navigates multiple charges while managing the aftermath of his life-changing lottery win.
