$167.3 million Powerball Winner Ends Up in Jail

It’s been quite the week for James Shannon Farthing from Georgetown in Kentucky. He won a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot with his mother last Saturday but ended up in jail a few days later.

Winnings to be shared

The win came in the April 26 Powerball draw and the win will be shared between Farthing and his elderly mother Linda Grizzle. It’s the highest ever Powerball win in Kentucky beating the previous record of $128.6 million.

It was Linda who checked the Powerball ticket a day after the draw. “I would have never dreamed it; it hasn't sunken in yet," said the shocked mother. It was her son who had bought the winning ticket but he said the winnings would be shared with her. Recently  an Oregon resident claimed their $328.5 million Powerball jackpot.

The Powerball win can either be accepted as an annuity or a one-off payment of $77.3 million before taxation. Linda plans on using some of her winnings to pay off her debts and go on holiday to Ireland.

Fracas

However, just days after the Powerball win, her son and his girlfriend Jacqueline Fighmaster were arrested. A fracas took place at the TradeWinds Resort at St Pete Beach in Florida.

It’s alleged that Farthing, 50 punched a hotel guest in the face. To make matters worse, it’s also alleged he then kicked a Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy in the face.  $2 billion Powerball winner Edwin Castro faced legal action  after his massive win.

Farthing has been charged with several offences including battery on a law enforcement officer. A $10,000 bond has been set for Farthing but he remains behind bars. That’s because the Powerball winner has several other legal problems to deal with.

He is also facing a parole violation as he was being supervised by the Kentucky Department of Corrections until late August 2025.

Farthing has a long criminal record which includes convictions for theft, drug offenses and receiving stolen property.

The next Powerball draw is on Saturday and the top prize is $44 million.

Get your tickets from Lottery24.