A Kentucky man who won the biggest lottery prize in the state’s history has landed in jail again only days after the massive payout.
James Shannon Farthing appeared to strike extraordinary luck when his Powerball ticket matched the winning numbers on April 26, 2025.
Farthing and his mother, Linda Grizzle, later claimed Kentucky’s record-breaking $167.3 million jackpot, with Farthing saying he planned to share the windfall with her.
But the celebration was quickly followed by a string of legal problems that have kept him in and out of custody ever since.
Within days of claiming the prize, Farthing was arrested at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. An affidavit alleged that a disturbance broke out and that Farthing punched another hotel guest in the face.
Authorities also alleged that when a Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy tried to intervene, Farthing kicked the officer in the face. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and resisting arrest in that case.
That arrest was only the beginning, as Farthing has now reportedly been taken into custody for a fourth time since winning the lottery.
Even with a $167.3 million jackpot to his name, Farthing has continued to face criminal allegations.
In March 2026, he was arrested in Lexington on burglary and marijuana possession charges after police said he had unlawfully entered a residence and was linked to the alleged theft of about $12,000. Those charges were later dismissed after the woman involved testified that there had been a misunderstanding about the missing money.
His most recent arrest came on July 26, 2026. He is now facing charges of first-degree strangulation, domestic violence related, and fourth-degree assault, domestic violence, causing minor injury to a woman whose name has not been made public.
People reported that the woman told police the two had argued after returning from a boating trip. Farthing is accused of “put[ting] both his hands on her neck, which restricted her breathing” on Cynthiana Road.
Jail records reviewed by the outlet indicate he is being held at Scott County Jail. LEX News also reported that he appeared in court in connection with the case on July 28, 2026.
According to the complaint, Deputy Zachary Bryant observed visible welts on the right side of the woman’s neck and believed the alleged incident may have been recorded by a Ring camera in the bedroom.
Farthing is said to have entered a not guilty plea, while his bond has reportedly been set at $15,000.
He has also allegedly been ordered not to contact the woman and must wear a “monitoring device” to ensure compliance with that order.
Farthing’s legal troubles extend beyond the recent arrest cases. In July 2026, a Fayette County grand jury also indicted him in connection with a November 2025 crash in Lexington, alleging wanton endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident after a collision on Man O’ War Boulevard.
The Smoking Gun reported that Farthing has a long criminal history and has spent 30 of his 50 years in prison following multiple offenses.
His convictions have reportedly spanned nine Kentucky counties and include crimes such as choking a girlfriend, attempting to bribe officers while incarcerated, and selling cocaine to an undercover police officer.