Kentucky man won $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in 2025; now arrested for fifth time after being found intoxicated in Walmart car park | World News
James Farthing, a Kentucky man who won a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in April 2025, has been arrested for the fifth time since claiming the prize. The latest arrest took place on September 20, 2026, after deputies reportedly found him asleep inside a running Ford Mustang in a Walmart car park in Georgetown. Authorities charged him with being intoxicated in a public place following reports of alcohol-related impairment. The incident adds to a series of legal cases involving Farthing since his jackpot win. He had shared the historic prize with his mother, Linda Grizzle, after purchasing a $2 ticket from a Georgetown retailer.Earlier incidents included an April 2025 arrest in Florida, where Farthing was accused of kicking a sheriff’s deputy during an altercation. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and obstruction or resisting arrest. In February 2026, he faced an intimidation charge, followed by burglary and marijuana-possession charges in March after being accused of entering a Lexington home and stealing $12,000. In July, he was arrested on domestic violence-related charges, including first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault. Farthing has pleaded not guilty to the domestic violence charges.
Police found Kentucky Powerball winner asleep in a running Mustang
The latest incident began shortly before 3 a.m. on Sunday, September 20, when a caller reported a white Ford Mustang stopped in the middle of an intersection in Georgetown, Kentucky. The vehicle later moved to a Walmart car park on Osborne Way, according to the arrest citation reported by WKYT.Deputies arrived and found the Mustang parked near an electric vehicle charging station with its engine running. Farthing was reportedly asleep in the passenger seat. Officers knocked on the window several times before he woke up.The arrest citation described several signs of impairment, including the smell of alcohol and marijuana, bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech and difficulty maintaining balance. Farthing was subsequently charged with being intoxicated in a public place and taken to the Scott County Detention Center.According to the arrest report, Farthing told deputies that a woman had driven him to the car park and left him there. Authorities reviewed surveillance footage, which reportedly showed no one exiting the Mustang after it entered the car park.
How James Farthing won Kentucky’s record Powerball prize
Farthing purchased the winning Powerball ticket from Clark’s Pump N Shop in Georgetown. The ticket matched the required numbers in the April 26, 2025 drawing, resulting in a $167.3 million jackpot.The Kentucky Lottery identified the prize as the largest Powerball jackpot ever won in the state. Farthing and his mother, Linda Grizzle, claimed the winnings together and announced that they would share the fortune.The win brought significant attention to the family, while Farthing later appeared in news reports concerning several encounters with law enforcement in Kentucky and Florida.
Florida arrest came shortly after the jackpot win
Farthing’s first reported arrest after winning the lottery took place in Florida in April 2025. Authorities accused him of battery involving a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest following an incident at a hotel.According to the Associated Press, officers said Farthing kicked a deputy in the face during an altercation and attempted to flee. He faced charges connected to the confrontation.The Independent later reported that Farthing pleaded guilty in the case and received a sentence of time served and $1,000 in fines.
February arrest involved an intimidation charge
In February 2026, Farthing was arrested in Georgetown on a charge involving intimidation of a participant in a legal process. The case followed a report from a woman who contacted emergency services and said she feared for her safety.According to People, police investigated an incident at Farthing’s home and reportedly found a woman hiding under a desk. Authorities also searched the property and allegedly discovered a handgun, ammunition, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Burglary and marijuana charges followed in March
Farthing faced additional charges in March 2026 in connection with allegations of burglary and marijuana possession. Authorities accused him of entering a Lexington home and stealing approximately $12,000 in cash.The Guardian reported that investigators used security camera footage during the investigation. Farthing was later reportedly located at a casino.Local news reports said the burglary and marijuana charges were dismissed in May. The dismissal applied to those specific charges and did not resolve his other legal cases.
July domestic violence case involved strangulation allegations
In late July 2026, Farthing was charged with first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault following a reported domestic violence incident in Scott County.Police said a woman reported that a verbal argument became physical after a boating trip. According to the arrest report, she alleged that Farthing placed both hands around her neck and restricted her breathing. Authorities also reported visible marks on her neck.Farthing pleaded not guilty through his legal representative. A judge set his bond at $15,000 and ordered him to avoid contact with the alleged victim. He was also required to wear an electronic monitoring device with a notification feature.
Fifth arrest adds to Farthing’s legal cases
The September arrest is the fifth reported arrest involving Farthing since he won the Kentucky Powerball jackpot in 2025.The latest case concerns public intoxication in Scott County and follows the July domestic violence-related arrest. His legal proceedings remain separate from the lottery win, which he shared with his mother.The public intoxication case is pending in Scott County District Court, with an arraignment reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
