Powerball winner winds up behind bars days after scoring massive jackpot
Law enforcement officials in Pinellas County, Florida, made headlines when they arrested James Farthing, a Kentucky man who had recently won the $167 million Powerball jackpot. Just days after his life-changing win, Farthing found himself in trouble with the law after allegedly kicking a deputy during a fight at a resort in St. Pete Beach.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the 50-year-old Farthing was charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer, as well as misdemeanor charges of resisting an officer without violence and simple battery. The incident occurred late at night when Farthing got into a physical altercation with another guest at the TradeWinds Resort.
When a deputy intervened to break up the fight, Farthing reportedly kicked the deputy in the face, causing injury. The arrest affidavit stated that Farthing kicked the deputy in the right cheek before attempting to flee the scene. Despite being ordered to cooperate and place his hands behind his back, Farthing resisted and tried to escape.
In addition to the assault on the deputy, Farthing is accused of punching another individual in the face during an argument. Both Farthing and his girlfriend, Jaqueline Fightmaster, were taken into custody following the incident. Fightmaster was charged with disorderly intoxication.
Farthing’s arrest came just three days after his big Powerball win in Kentucky. He purchased a $2 ticket from a gas station in Georgetown, Kentucky, and ended up hitting all the numbers to secure the massive jackpot. Farthing and his mother, Linda Grizzle, made history in Kentucky with the largest jackpot ever awarded in the state.
Despite his newfound wealth, Farthing remains behind bars due to a parole violation related to a previous incident in Kentucky. On the other hand, Fightmaster was able to post bail and was released from custody.
As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder that sudden wealth does not exempt individuals from legal repercussions. The thrill of winning the lottery can quickly turn into a nightmare if one does not handle the newfound fortune responsibly. Farthing’s case is a cautionary tale of how quickly life can change, for better or for worse, with a stroke of luck.
This incident at the TradeWinds Resort serves as a stark reminder that money cannot buy good judgment or immunity from the law. It is a lesson that James Farthing had to learn the hard way, despite his recent windfall. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be watching to see how this lottery winner navigates the challenges that come with his newfound wealth and the legal consequences of his actions.
