Kentucky Powerball Winner Arrested for Fifth Time Since Jackpot Win

James Farthing, the Kentucky man who won the state's largest Powerball jackpot of $167.3 million, has been arrested for the fifth time since claiming his prize. The 51-year-old was taken into custody early Sunday morning after deputies found him asleep in a running Mustang in a Walmart parking lot in Georgetown.

Deputies responded to the scene around 3 a.m. following a report of a vehicle stopped in an intersection, which later moved to the Walmart lot. Upon arrival, officers found the Mustang parked with its engine running, and Farthing asleep inside. According to a citation from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Farthing exhibited signs of intoxication, including smelling of alcohol and marijuana, bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, and difficulty maintaining balance.

Farthing reportedly told police a woman had driven him to the Walmart and left him, but surveillance footage appeared to show the Mustang parking itself. Deputies described Farthing as "manifestly under the influence of alcohol" and a danger to himself and others due to potential impaired driving.

He was taken to the Scott County Detention Center and faces the public intoxication charge in Scott County District Court. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday.

This latest arrest marks a pattern of legal troubles for Farthing since he won the jackpot in April 2025. He purchased the winning $2 ticket at Clark’s Pump N Shop in Georgetown and initially planned to share the winnings with his mother. Shortly after his win, Farthing was arrested in Florida on May 1, 2025, following an altercation at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach. He was charged with alcohol intoxication in a public place. Deputies reported that Farthing punched another man and then turned on officers attempting to intervene. He pleaded guilty to the charges and received a sentence of time served and a $1,000 fine.

Farthing's second arrest occurred in February 2026 in Georgetown. Authorities responded to a home after a woman reported fearing for her safety. The woman told investigators that Farthing had pressured her into taking a "gummy." During a search of Farthing's home, police reportedly found a handgun, ammunition, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

In March 2026, Farthing was arrested again and charged with second-degree burglary and marijuana possession. Police alleged that security footage showed him entering a Lexington home and stealing approximately $12,000 in cash. One of the Fayette County criminal cases related to burglary and marijuana possession was later dismissed.

His fourth arrest took place in July, stemming from allegations of domestic violence. According to the criminal complaint, an argument during a boat trip with a woman escalated physically. Farthing was accused of strangling the woman and causing assault. He pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault. A judge set his bond at $15,000, ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim, and required him to wear an electronic monitoring device. The current case in Scott County is still pending, and the outcomes of his various legal matters have not all resulted in convictions.