James Shannon Farthing, a 50-year-old Kentucky man who recently won a massive $167.3 million Powerball jackpot, is back in the spotlight—this time for his lengthy criminal record and a fresh arrest just days after his win.
Farthing, who has spent more than 30 years cycling through 25 different prisons, purchased the winning $2 ticket at a convenience store near his home, which he shares with his 77-year-old mother, Linda Grizzle.
A Florida Vacation Ends in Handcuffs
Shortly after claiming his prize, Farthing traveled to Florida with his girlfriend. However, he allegedly failed to inform his parole officer of the trip—an apparent violation of his parole.
On just the second day of their vacation, Farthing was involved in a physical altercation with another guest at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach. According to police, the Powerball winner allegedly punched the guest and then kicked a responding officer in the face while attempting to flee.
Deputy Nicholas Areostatico, who reported swelling and pain under his eye, said Farthing tried to escape through the hotel but was quickly apprehended.
Farthing was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor assault. He was also slapped with a fugitive warrant for violating the conditions of his parole. He has since been released on an $11,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment on July 14.
A 16-Page Rap Sheet
Farthing’s criminal history is extensive. His 16-page rap sheet includes:
- Drug trafficking and sales to undercover agents
- Assault, including strangling a former girlfriend
- Escape from a prison work detail
- Bribery, involving the smuggling of drugs like Xanax and Oxycodone into prison
- Possession of stolen firearms
- A marijuana smuggling operation involving his mother
In prison, Farthing continued to break the law. He was disciplined for:
- Narcotics possession, including cocaine, marijuana, depressants, and alcohol
- Loan sharking, gambling, and smuggling
- Bribing guards to sneak in contraband, including over 300 Xanax pills
- Running scams and inappropriate relations with prison staff
His criminal record dates back to his teenage years, when he was convicted of theft, reckless driving, and receiving stolen property. He only completed up to 10th grade and earned his GED while incarcerated.
A Fortunate Twist
Despite his troubled past, Farthing’s Powerball win marks the largest lottery jackpot in Kentucky history. However, his legal troubles continue to overshadow his newfound wealth.
Lottery officials and members of the public are now watching closely to see if Farthing’s fortune will help him turn a new page—or add another chapter to his long record of legal run-ins.
