Central KY man charged with assaulting cops days after winning $167M Powerball
A Kentucky man was arrested and charged in Florida with assaulting police officers just one day after winning the commonwealth’s largest Powerball jackpot ever.
James Farthing, 50, of Georgetown, was arrested Tuesday at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Fla.. According to arrest affidavits, Farthing punched a man in the face during an argument, and then hit and kicked Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies who tried to break up the fight.
Farthing attempted to flee the resort but was later arrested.
Farthing’s girlfriend, 42-year-old Jacqueline Fightmaster, was also charged in the incident, according to several media reports.
One day before the fight, Farthing made Kentucky history by cashing in a $167.3 million Powerball ticket. He said he planned to split the winnings from the $2 Quick Pick ticket, sold at the Clark’s Pump N Shop on Connector Road in Georgetown, with his mother.
The cash option amount for the $167.3 million jackpot was $77.3 million, and Farthing and his mother planned to talk with a financial adviser about the best option, according to a Kentucky Lottery news release announcing the win.
The Georgetown Clark’s Pump N Shop will receive more than $37,000 for selling the winning ticket.
“This is so exciting for the winners because the winners have won $167.3 million, but also for the retailer. They are going to get a commission for selling that big winner,” Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Mary Harville said in a press release.
Farthing is charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, simple battery, resisting officer without violence and parole violation in Florida, according to Pinellas County jail records. His bonds are set at $10,000 for the battery on a law enforcement officer charge, $1,000 for the simple battery charge and $500 for resisting officer without violence.
This story was originally published May 2, 2025 at 9:11 AM.
