James Farthing, winner of Kentucky’s record US$167 million Powerball jackpot in April 2025, has been arrested again for allegedly stealing US$12,000 in cash during a burglary in Lexington, his third arrest since claiming the prize.
The 51-year-old broke into a house, took the money and fled in a black Porsche, according to the Independent. Police later stopped the vehicle, found marijuana inside and arrested him without incident.
A customer purchases a ticket for the Powerball jackpot of $1.9 billion dollars at a newsstand in New York City, U.S., Nov. 7, 2022. Photo by Reuters |
His latest arrest comes nearly a year after he and his family claimed what was described as the largest lottery prize in the history of Kentucky, in the U.S.
Just one day after collecting the jackpot, Farthing was arrested in Florida for allegedly punching a hotel guest and kicking a police officer, the New York Post reported.
Kentucky authorities have labeled him a persistent felony offender, with a criminal record stretching over 35 years and covering multiple counties. Court records show a long list of past offenses, including assault, drug dealing, bribery, possession of stolen firearms and involvement in a marijuana smuggling case with his mother.
In February 2026, he was also charged in another case after allegedly threatening a woman connected to his legal proceedings and forcing her to consume a marijuana-infused gummy. He is scheduled to appear in court in early April.
Farthing’s criminal history dates back to his teenage years and includes theft and reckless driving. He dropped out after 10th grade and later completed his high school education while in prison.
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