He’s drowning in cash and controversy.
The individual who clinched Kentucky’s largest lottery prize recently got arrested in Florida, just days after celebrating his newfound wealth. This man has a hefty 16-page rap sheet and a long history of criminal activities.
James Shannon Farthing spent a total of 30 years in prison out of a possible 50, having been involved with 25 different correctional institutions. He made headlines after winning a staggering $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in April.
Reports indicate that repeat offenders have secured lucrative winnings in nine Kentucky counties while committing various crimes, including assaults and drug dealings—like selling cocaine to undercover agents.
Farthing’s crime spree began in his teenage years, with various arrests for theft and reckless driving. Surprisingly, he managed to complete formal education and earned a GED while incarcerated.
Later on, Farthing got involved in drug activities, even dragging his mother into a plan to smuggle marijuana into a high-security facility. He eventually accepted a plea deal that spared his mother, yet he was sentenced to a decade in prison.
Even behind bars, trouble seemed to follow him. He often found himself in “administrative lockdown,” caught smuggling drugs and alcohol into prisons, and he even bullied fellow inmates into returning stolen items.
Farthing’s long history of offenses often led to parole denials; there seemed to be little chance for suspension of his sentences.
Occasionally, he would be granted parole, but typically he’d quickly breach the conditions, usually by testing positive for substances like marijuana.
His numerous mug shots tell quite the story. Over the years, he has transformed from a baby-faced young man to someone sporting a gray beard and extra weight.
And now, with his new fortune, he doesn’t seem to have turned over a new leaf.
Just three days after cashing in the lottery with his 77-year-old mother, Linda Grizzle, and girlfriend Jacqueline Fightmaster, he found himself arrested in Florida. Allegations included assaulting another guest and kicking an employee who tried to step in.
He also breached parole by leaving Kentucky without notifying his parole officer, making it evident that his long history of criminal behavior is far from over.
According to the Kentucky Parole Board, Farthing had recently been released from prison in Kentucky but now faces charges from his Florida encounter.
Interestingly, his lottery winnings went straight to cover an $11,000 bail. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a court appearance, where he could potentially face up to five years in prison for the recent battery charges.
