Kentucky’s $167M Powerball Winner Charged with Indictment for Suspected Hit-and-Run After Kicking Police Officer in the Face |

The historic $167 million Powerball jackpot win in Kentucky has not been a transformative experience for James Farthing, the recipient of the prize, who seems set on continuing his criminal lifestyle.

James Farthing, Kentucky Powerball, Powerball winner, lottery winner, hit-and-run indictment, Kentucky lottery — Celebrating victory: James Farthing, alongside his mother, Linda Grizzle, and girlfriend, poses with a ceremonial check after claiming Kentucky’s record Powerball jackpot in April 2025. (Image: Kentucky Lottery)

Farthing, 51, from Georgetown, Kentucky, was indicted this month on a felony charge of wanton endangerment and a misdemeanor for allegedly fleeing the scene of an accident.

This marks the fourth instance of legal trouble for Farthing since his jackpot win in April 2025.

Post-Win Bar Incident

Remarkably, just a day after his windfall, Farthing was arrested following an altercation at the Island Grand Hotel in St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he allegedly kicked a police officer.

According to court documents, he resisted arrest and attempted to escape before being subdued with a Taser.

On February 27, 2026, he pleaded guilty to charges of misdemeanor battery and resisting arrest without violence from that incident. He received a sentence of time served (nine days) and a $1,000 fine.

Earlier in February, he faced charges for intimidating a legal process participant after allegedly threatening a woman with a gun and forcing her to consume a gummy at a Lexington, Kentucky residence.

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

A Lexington Police Department report states that security footage captured Farthing entering a residence, with the victim claiming to have heard a door being kicked in and alleging that he stole $12,000 in cash before fleeing in a black Porsche SUV.

‘Disregard for Life’

Farthing was also indicted for an incident in November 2025, where he was reportedly driving a gray 2025 Chevrolet Corvette at speeds reaching 117 mph and rear-ended another vehicle.

Following the crash, he allegedly fled the scene. His driving behavior demonstrated an extreme disregard for human life, as it posed a serious risk of death or significant injury to other drivers, according to the official citation.

Criminal Background

Farthing’s criminal history is extensive, featuring convictions or charges related to theft, drug trafficking, organized crime, domestic abuse, strangulation, tampering with evidence, and escaping from custody.

He shared the Powerball jackpot with his mother, Linda Grizzle, on April 27. The subsequent day, the duo posed for celebratory photographs at the lottery headquarters with a gigantic ceremonial check.

At that time, Farthing voiced his regrets to WKYT-TV for causing his mother “stress” due to his past poor choices.

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