Published on: March 13, 2026, 11:40h.
Updated on: March 13, 2026, 11:40h.
- A Powerball victor has admitted guilt to a misdemeanor charge in Florida
- James Farthing faced initial charges of felony assault against a police officer
- Farthing has a history of legal issues
James Farthing, who bagged a Powerball jackpot totaling $167.3 million last year, has recently pleaded guilty to charges in Florida following a felony battery accusation just days after his windfall. In a plea agreement, prosecutors in Pinellas County opted to lessen the charges, resulting in a mere $1,000 fine for him.
At 51 years old, Kentucky resident James Farthing, alongside his mother Linda, struck gold in the Powerball drawing on April 26, 2025. Just three days post-win, he was detained in Florida while staying at a resort in St. Pete Beach near Tampa on April 29.
According to the arrest affidavit from Pinellas County, the police were called to the Island Grand Hotel to intervene in an altercation.
“While attempting to de-escalate a scuffle between the defendant and another individual, I was kicked in the face,” reported one officer.
The affidavit further alleges that bodycam footage recorded Farthing “preparing to kick” the officer. After this, he allegedly tried to escape on foot and disobeyed lawful commands before being apprehended.
In a recent court ruling, prosecutors accepted a plea agreement that reduced the felony battery charge to a misdemeanor battery charge.
While misdemeanor battery can lead to up to a year in prison and a year of probation, both prosecutors and the court decided to drop those stipulations. Instead, Farthing was mandated to pay $1,020 in penalties and fees.
Time in County Jail for Powerball Winner
Due to his arrest prior to claiming his Powerball winnings, Farthing couldn’t post the necessary $10,000 bail right away. He ended up spending nine days in county jail before securing a surety bond through Freddie Dixon Bail Bonds in Largo.
Upon his release, Farthing was instructed to maintain no contact with the individual involved in the altercation and stay at least 500 feet away from the victim’s home, car, and workplace.
This incident in April 2025 wasn’t Farthing’s first legal entanglement. Known as a repeat felony offender, as first reported by The Smoking Gun, he has spent significant time in prisons across both Kentucky and Florida. His court records reveal past sentences for assaults, attempted bribery of officers, and drug offenses involving cocaine and Oxycodone.
Moving Forward After Legal Troubles
With the legal hurdles (hopefully) behind him, Farthing can focus on his future. Both he and his mother received a one-time cash payout option of $77.3 million from the jackpot.
After accounting for federal and state taxes, their total earnings amounted to $45.6 million, which translates to approximately $22.8 million for each of them.