Powerball Winner Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor Battery Charge, Slapped on Wrist for Assaulting Police Officer

Posted on: March 13, 2026, 11:40h. 

Last updated on: March 13, 2026, 11:40h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
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  • A Powerball winner has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in Florida
  • James Farthing was originally charged with felony battery of a police officer
  • Farthing has a lengthy criminal record

A man who won a Powerball jackpot worth $167.3 million last year, only to be arrested on a felony battery of a law enforcement charge days later, has pleaded guilty in Florida. In exchange for his plea, Pinellas County prosecutors agreed to reduce the charges against him and slap him on the wrist with just a $1,000 fine.

James Farthing, Powerball winner, Lottery arrest, Kentucky, Florida
Linda Grizzle and her son, James Farthing, and James’ girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, pose with their Powerball jackpot check they won during the game’s drawing on April 26, 2025. Farthing was arrested only three days later on a felony assault of a police officer charge in Florida. He’s since reached a plea deal despite a lengthy rap sheet. (Image: Kentucky Lottery)

James Farthing, 51, of Kentucky, won an April 26, 2025, Powerball jackpot with his mom, Linda. But just three days after striking it rich, Farthing was arrested in Florida at a resort in St. Pete Beach near Tampa on April 29.

The arrest affidavit filed in Pinellas County alleged that police responded to the Island Grand Hotel to break up a fight.

While breaking up a fight between the defendant and another person, the defendant kicked me in the face,” an officer reported.

The affidavit claims bodycam surveillance footage captured Farthing “winding up his right leg” before kicking the officer. The complaint then alleged that Farthing attempted to flee on foot and refused to comply with lawful orders before he was detained.

In a recent court filing, county prosecutors accepted a plea deal that dropped the felony battery of a law enforcement officer for a lesser charge of misdemeanor battery.

While such a charge carries the possible imprisonment of up to a year and a year of probation, prosecutors and the court agreed to lift those conditions. Instead, Farthing was ordered to pay $1,020 in fines and costs.

Powerball Winner Spent Time in County Jail 

Because Farthing was arrested and booked into the county jail before he was able to redeem his Powerball jackpot, he was unable to immediately post a $10,000 bail. Farthing spent nine days in jail before he posted a surety bond with the help of Freddie Dixon Bail Bonds in Largo.

After his release, Farthing was ordered to have no contact with the man he was involved in the fight with and to stay at least 500 feet from the victim. The 500-foot condition applied to the victim’s residence, vehicle, and place of employment.

The April 2025 incident wasn’t Farthing’s first run-in with the law. Farthing has been a serial felony offender, The Smoking Gun first reported, and has spent many years in prison in both Kentucky and Florida. Court records show he’s been sentenced for choking a girlfriend, trying to bribe law enforcement officers, and selling cocaine, Oxycodone, and other narcotics.

Off to Greener Pastures 

With the legal incidents (hopefully) behind him, Farthing can concentrate on his life ahead. Farthing and his mother split the one-time cash option of $77.3 million.

After federal and state taxes, the payout came to $45.6 million, or about $22.8 million each.