Law enforcement from Pinellas County, Florida, has arrested a man from Kentucky shortly after he won a hefty $167 million Powerball Jackpot. The incident occurred when 50-year-old James Farthing allegedly kicked a deputy during a fight at a resort.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Farthing faces felony charges for battery against a law enforcement officer, along with misdemeanor charges for resisting arrest without violence. The altercation took place at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach just after 11 PM on Tuesday. An affidavit reveals that as the deputy attempted to break up the fight, Farthing kicked him in the face.
Farthing reportedly kicked the deputy on the right cheek. After the incident, deputies instructed him to place his hands behind his back, but he allegedly attempted to flee instead. Furthermore, he has been accused of punching the deputy on the left side of the face with a closed fist during the argument.
Eventually, deputies apprehended Farthing. Additionally, his girlfriend, Jaclyn Fightmaster, has been charged with disorderly conduct. This arrest occurred just three days after Farthing’s significant Powerball win.
Farthing had purchased his winning $2 ticket at a gas station in Georgetown, Kentucky, making history for the state with what is now the largest Jackpot award at $167.3 million. Despite this recent windfall, he remains in custody due to a parole violation stemming from a previous incident in Kentucky. Although Farthing is still detained, Fightmaster managed to post bond and has been released.
