Kentucky’s $167M Powerball Winner Who Kicked Cop in Face Indicted Over Alleged Hit-and-Run

Kentucky’s biggest-ever Powerball winner, James Farthing, walked away with a $167 million jackpot—only to trade his fortune for a growing rap sheet of new felony charges.

Farthing, 51, of Georgetown, Ky., was indicted earlier this month on a felony wanton endangerment charge and a misdemeanor charge for allegedly leaving the scene of a crash. It’s the fourth time Farthing has found himself in trouble with the law since winning the jackpot in April 2025.

Post-Win Bar Brawl

In fact, just 24 hours after his windfall, he was arrested for kicking a police officer in the face following his involvement in a large bar fight at the Island Grand Hotel in St. Pete Beach, Fla.

Farthing subsequently resisted arrest and tried to flee before being tasered, according to court filings.

On February 27, 2026, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and resisting an officer without violence charges stemming from that incident. He was sentenced to time served (nine days) and fined $1,000.

Also in February, he was charged with intimidating a participant in the legal process after deputies responded to a Lexington, Ky., residence where a woman alleged he threatened her with a gun and forced her to eat a gummy.

In March, he was arrested on charges of second-degree burglary and marijuana possession, according to NBC affiliate LEX 18.

An arrest report filed by the Lexington Police Department alleges Farthing was captured on security camera entering a home in the city. The alleged victim told police they heard what sounded like the door being kicked in and claimed Farthing stole $12,000 in cash before fleeing in a black Porsche SUV.

‘Indifference to Life’

Farthing was driving a gray 2025 Chevrolet Corvette at speeds of up to 117 mph when he rear-ended another vehicle in November 2025, according to the latest indictment, later allegedly fleeing the scene.

He operated the vehicle under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, and his conduct created a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to other motorists, according to the citation.

Long Rap Sheet

Farthing has an extensive criminal record that includes convictions or charges involving theft, drug smuggling, engaging in organized crime, domestic assault, strangulation, tampering with physical evidence, and escaping from a detention facility.

He shared the Powerball jackpot with his mother, Linda Grizzle, on April 27. The following day, the pair smiled for photographers at lottery headquarters while holding an oversized ceremonial check.

At the time, he expressed regret to WKYT-TV for causing his mother “stress” because of previous bad decisions.