A Kentucky man who won a $167 million Powerball jackpot in April 2025 has added first-degree strangulation to a litany of criminal charges amassed since his windfall.
James Farthing of Georgetown, Ky., was arrested on July 26 after police responded to a call from a woman who said she was being assaulted.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the woman told deputies she and Farthing returned from a boating trip around 9 a.m. before arguing, at which point he allegedly became violent. One deputy observed welts on the right side of her neck, the complaint states.
Hit and Run
Farthing’s latest arrest came just weeks after he was indicted on felony wanton endangerment and misdemeanor leaving-the-scene charges stemming from a November 2025 crash. Prosecutors allege he was driving a gray 2025 Chevrolet Corvette at speeds of up to 117 mph when he rear-ended another vehicle.
In all, he has been in trouble with the law five times since winning the lottery. Just days after hitting the big one, he was detained after kicking a police officer in the face during a bar fight at the Island Grand Hotel in St. Pete Beach, Fla.
Farthing subsequently attempted to flee before being tasered, according to court filings.
In February, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and resisting an officer without violence in connection with the incident. He was sentenced to time served (nine days) and fined $1,000.
Also in February, he was charged with intimidating a participant in the legal process after deputies responded to a Lexington, Ky., home. A woman there alleged he threatened her with a gun and forced her to eat “a gummy.”
In March, he was arrested on charges of second-degree burglary and marijuana possession.
An arrest report filed by the Lexington Police Department said security footage captured Farthing entering a Lexington home. The homeowner told police they heard what sounded like the door being kicked in and reported that Farthing stole $12,000 in cash before fleeing in a black Porsche SUV.
Legal Troubles Predate Jackpot
Farthing’s pre-lottery win criminal record includes convictions and arrests involving theft, drug smuggling, engaging in organized crime, domestic assault, tampering with physical evidence, and escaping from a detention facility.
On Tuesday (July 28), Farthing pleaded not guilty to the charges of strangulation (domestic violence-related) and fourth-degree assault (domestic violence, minor injury).
His bond was set at $15,000 on the condition that he wear an electronic monitoring device and have no contact with the alleged victim. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 27.
