A resident of Kentucky, who struck it rich with a $167 million Powerball jackpot in April 2025, is now faced with new legal challenges, including a first-degree strangulation charge amid numerous other criminal allegations.
James Farthing from Georgetown, Kentucky, was apprehended on July 26 after law enforcement responded to a woman’s report of an assault.
As detailed in a criminal complaint by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the woman stated that after returning from a boating outing around 9 a.m., an argument erupted, leading to Farthing’s alleged act of violence. A deputy noticed markings on the right side of her neck, according to the complaint.
Hit and Run Incident
This most recent arrest occurred shortly after he was indicted on charges of felony wanton endangerment and misdemeanor leaving-the-scene for a crash in November 2025. Prosecutors allege he was driving a gray 2025 Chevrolet Corvette at speeds reaching 117 mph when he collided with another vehicle.
Overall, he has found himself in legal trouble on five separate occasions since winning the lottery. Just days after his jackpot win, he faced charges for kicking a police officer in the face during a bar skirmish at the Island Grand Hotel in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
Reports indicate he attempted to escape before being subdued with a Taser as per court filings.
In February, he pleaded guilty to charges of misdemeanor battery and resisting arrest without violence related to that incident. He received a sentence of time served (nine days) along with a $1,000 fine.
Additionally, in February, he was charged with trying to intimidate a participant in a legal proceeding after deputies intervened at a residence in Lexington, Kentucky. A woman reportedly accused him of threatening her with a firearm and forcing her to consume “a gummy.”
In March, he was taken into custody on charges of second-degree burglary and marijuana possession.
A police report from the Lexington Police Department cited security footage showing Farthing entering a home in Lexington. The homeowner alerted police, stating they heard what seemed like a door being kicked in and reported that Farthing stole $12,000 before escaping in a black Porsche SUV.
Prior Legal Issues Before Jackpot
Farthing’s criminal history prior to his lottery win includes multiple convictions and arrests for offenses such as theft, drug trafficking, organized crime participation, domestic violence, tampering with evidence, and escaping a detention facility.
On July 28, Farthing pleaded not guilty to the allegations of domestic violence-related strangulation and fourth-degree assault with minor injury.
His bond has been set at $15,000, contingent on him wearing an electronic monitoring device and having no contact with the victim. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 27.