A United States lottery winner is facing fresh legal trouble less than a year after claiming a record-breaking jackpot.
James Farthing, who won $167 million through the Powerball lottery in 2025, has been arrested again after a woman reported she was left “in fear for her life.”
Record Jackpot Followed by Legal Issues
Farthing bought his winning ticket in Georgetown, making history with the largest prize ever awarded in Kentucky. He shared the winnings with his mother.
Just days after his win, Farthing was arrested following a late-night altercation on a beach in Florida, where he was accused of felony battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.
Despite initially pleading not guilty, he later requested to serve his sentence.
New Allegations After Emergency Call
The latest incident occurred around midnight on 11 February when deputies from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from a woman at a property in Georgetown.
The caller reportedly told authorities that people in the house were armed and might harm her.
Officers conducted a protective sweep and allegedly found ammunition, a .380 calibre firearm, marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the home. Farthing reportedly denied ownership of the weapon.
The woman was later found hiding under a desk and described by officers as intoxicated and extremely fearful.
Woman’s Account to Investigators
She told investigators that Farthing had picked her up from her home in Lexington for a planned gathering but allegedly tried to pressure her into taking a “gummy,” the contents of which she said she did not know.
Emergency personnel transported her to hospital for evaluation.
Police documents state Farthing later allegedly sent her a text message reading: “Why would you do this to me, unreal I’d never hurt u.” Authorities reportedly seized his phone because the woman was already involved in legal proceedings.
Court Date Set
Farthing posted a $5,000 cash bond at the Scott County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court on 2 April.
At the time of his lottery victory, Farthing publicly reflected on past mistakes, saying he had made “bad decisions” but believed his faith had helped him turn things around.
The case now adds another chapter to the turbulent aftermath of one of Kentucky’s biggest lottery wins, highlighting how sudden wealth does not always bring stability.
Stories like this sit at the strange intersection of luck, psychology and behaviour — sudden windfalls statistically correlate with higher rates of legal and personal turmoil, a reminder that money amplifies who you already are rather than rewriting the script.
