James Shannon Farthing’s life took a dramatic turn when he won a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in April. However, just days after claiming the prize, the 50-year-old was arrested in Florida following an altercation at a resort. Farthing had promised to share the winnings with his mother, Linda Grizzle, who welcomed the news as a chance to pay off debts.
The fight allegedly involved Farthing punching another guest and kicking a deputy who intervened. He posted bail and faces court later this month, pleading not guilty. Farthing’s criminal record spans three decades, including convictions for choking, bribery, and drug sales in nine Kentucky counties.
His criminal activity began as a teenager and included smuggling marijuana into a maximum-security prison, sometimes involving his mother. Farthing’s jackpot is Kentucky’s largest Powerball win, surpassing previous records from 2009 and 2010. He chose between receiving payments over 30 years or a lump sum of $77.3 million.
