A recently released video shows the winner of a $167.3 million Powerball Jackpot kicking a vice-chairman in the head before engaging with Florida police.
This incident took place on April 29, as highlighted by body cam footage capturing James Farthing. Reports indicate that he kicked the deputy while they were detaining others on the ground.
The vice-chairman, confused, was heard on the radio relaying that he had just been kicked. The officer quickly retrieved his taser and confronted Farthing, instructing him to raise his hands.
“Place your hands behind your back now. Get your hands behind your back and stay against the wall,” the officer repeatedly urged.
Farthing then attempted to hide behind a pillar to escape.
“Sorry, please,” he pleaded as the officer cuffed him.
“Save the apologies for later,” the officer responded firmly.
An affidavit noted that the deputy experienced “swelling and redness” on the right side of his face after the incident.
Farthing had won the jackpot the day before this confrontation, choosing to share the winnings as an early gift to his mother.
Following his arrest, it was revealed that Farthing had a lengthy criminal background, with convictions spanning nine Kentucky counties, including bribery while imprisoned and selling cocaine to an undercover officer.
Alongside him, police also arrested his girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, 42, for her role in the altercation.
Farthing now faces multiple charges, including resisting arrest without violence, battery against a law enforcement officer, and several parole violations.
