ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — What began as a life-changing moment for a Kentucky man who won one of the largest Powerball jackpots in the state’s history has quickly unraveled into a legal crisis.
Just days after claiming a $167.3 million Powerball prize, James Farthing, 50, of Georgetown, Kentucky, was arrested following a violent incident at a Florida resort that left a sheriff’s deputy injured and Farthing facing multiple charges, including felony battery on a law enforcement officer.
Arrest at Beachfront Resort Amid Celebration
According to authorities, the arrest took place early Wednesday morning at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, where Farthing and his girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, 42, were reportedly celebrating his recent lottery windfall.
Law enforcement was called to the resort’s bar around 11:10 p.m. Tuesday after receiving reports of a physical altercation involving Farthing and another hotel guest. Witnesses said the situation quickly escalated.
Upon arrival, Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies encountered an intoxicated and combative Farthing, who allegedly punched another guest and then kicked a deputy in the face while resisting arrest.
Deputy Assaulted; Farthing Faces Felony Charges
An arrest affidavit obtained by The Smoking Gun confirms that a deputy sustained visible injuries, including swelling and redness beneath his eye, as a result of the altercation.
Farthing now faces the following charges:
- Battery on a law enforcement officer – a felony
- Battery (misdemeanor)
- Resisting an officer without violence (misdemeanor)
He is currently being held on a $10,000 bond at a local detention facility.
Parole Violation and Criminal History Surface
Farthing’s troubles deepened when authorities in Kentucky issued a warrant for violating his parole, which stems from a series of previous convictions related to theft, drug offenses, and organized crime.
Court records show that Farthing was serving parole through August 2025. His criminal history includes charges for:
- Tampering with evidence
- Engaging in organized crime
- Receiving stolen property
- Drug possession
- Theft by unlawful taking
The combination of new charges in Florida and the parole violation could result in serious legal consequences both in Florida and back in Kentucky.
Girlfriend Also Arrested for Public Intoxication
Farthing’s girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, was also arrested at the scene and charged with public intoxication. She has since been released.
According to the arrest affidavit, Fightmaster was “visibly intoxicated”, yelling, and making incoherent statements during the incident.
Witnesses described her behavior as verbally aggressive, and officers noted she did not comply with initial commands to de-escalate the situation.
Powerball Win Claimed Just Days Before Arrest
Farthing’s arrest comes less than a week after he and his mother, Linda Grizzle, stepped into the public eye as Kentucky’s newest millionaires.
The duo had matched all winning numbers on a $2 Powerball ticket purchased at Clark’s Pump-N-Shop in Georgetown. They opted for the lump sum cash payout of $77.3 million—one of the largest ever claimed in the state.
In interviews following the win, Grizzle told reporters she had called her son immediately after realizing they held the lucky numbers.
“It’s going to be a good Mother’s Day,” she said. “This is going to pay off my debt.”
Farthing, seen smiling and jubilant during the press announcement, now finds himself facing a drastically different reality.
From Headlines to Handcuffs
The story of Farthing’s overnight transformation from lottery winner to criminal defendant has shocked many who followed his win with enthusiasm. The surreal turn of events underscores the volatility that often follows sudden wealth, particularly for individuals with troubled histories.
According to jail records, Farthing currently has $315 in his commissary account. His court date in Florida is still pending.
As of now, it is unclear whether the Powerball prize or any assets tied to the winnings could be affected by the legal proceedings. The cash prize was claimed jointly with his mother, potentially insulating her share from fallout related to her son’s criminal charges.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal analysts note that Farthing could face additional prison time if convicted of the new felony charge, especially due to the parole violation. A return to Kentucky custody is likely, depending on the outcome of Florida’s case.
“This is a textbook example of how quickly fortune can unravel if personal behavior isn’t kept in check,” said a legal commentator following the case.
We will continue to monitor developments in both the Florida criminal proceedings and the parole violation case in Kentucky. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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