A man who recently came forward as the winner of a transformative Powerball jackpot has a troubled history that spans over three decades, including multiple stints in prison.
James Shannon Farthing struck it lucky with a $167.3 million win on the Powerball drawing held on April 26, having bought a $2 ticket at Clark’s Pump N Shop located in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Despite holding the winning ticket, Farthing made a commitment to share the fortune with his mother, Linda Grizzle, resulting in an unforgettable Mother’s Day for her.
“It’s going to be a good Mother’s Day,” Grizzle expressed. “This is going to pay off my debt.”
According to the lottery officials, the family is consulting with a financial advisor to make informed decisions about managing the windfall.
However, shortly after Farthing and his mother claimed their prize, the 50-year-old and his girlfriend found themselves in legal trouble at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
An affidavit describes an altercation where Farthing is accused of assaulting another hotel guest by punching them in the face.
Furthermore, when an officer from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s department intervened, Farthing is alleged to have kicked the deputy in the face.
Farthing’s substantial winnings aided him in posting $11,000 for his bail, with his court appearance set for July 14.
Farthing has entered a plea of not guilty; if convicted, he could face a maximum of five years in prison.
The Smoking Gun reveals that Farthing has spent 30 years of his life in prison due to a series of criminal acts.
His record includes convictions in nine counties across Kentucky, with charges such as assaulting a girlfriend, attempting to bribe officers while incarcerated, and selling cocaine to an undercover police officer.
Farthing’s entanglement with crime began in his teenage years, marked by arrests for offenses like theft and reckless driving.
The recent jackpot winner has also been involved in smuggling marijuana into a maximum-security facility, even enlisting his mother in the illicit activity.
The colossal lottery win marks the largest Powerball jackpot ever awarded in Kentucky; the last win occurred in December 2010, with the previous record set at $128.6 million in 2009.
Mary Harville, Kentucky Lottery President and CEO, stated: “Kentucky finally has a Powerball jackpot winner! And not just any Powerball jackpot prize, it is a record for Kentucky. It is $167.3 million.”
Upon claiming the prize, Farthing had the option between receiving 30 graduated annual payments or opting for a lump sum of $77.3 million in cash.