Powerball Felon Back in Jail After Wild Florida Brawl
Winning the lottery is a fantasy most people only dream about. For James Shannon Farthing, that dream became a reality in April when he claimed a record-setting $167.3 million Powerball jackpot. But just three days later, Farthing found himself in handcuffs. Again. The dramatic turn of events didn't just shock the public — it raised eyebrows nationwide. Who exactly is this man who went from prison jumpsuit to oversized lottery check, only to return to jail before the ink was even dry?
A Life Marked by Crime
Farthing, 50, has spent the better part of his life behind bars. Kentucky authorities call him a "persistent felony offender," and his criminal history spans nearly 30 years with convictions across at least nine counties, according to the Smoking Gun.
His record includes everything from drug trafficking and bribery to domestic violence and assault. Even his own mother, with whom he shares his Georgetown, Kentucky address, was indicted alongside him in a marijuana smuggling plot, a charge later dropped after Farthing took full responsibility.
Court records show he's been housed in 25 different correctional institutions and has racked up disciplinary infractions for gambling, assaults, drug possession, and smuggling while incarcerated. He was frequently placed in solitary confinement for the safety of others.
Jackpot Joy ... and Immediate Consequences
Despite that lengthy rap sheet, Farthing was allowed to participate in the state lottery and struck gold with a $2 ticket purchased in Georgetown on April 26. He appeared in public with his mother and girlfriend, smiling for cameras as officials handed him the ceremonial check.
But Farthing, who was on parole until August 2025, didn't get permission from his parole officer before heading to Florida to celebrate. That violation alone would've landed him back in custody — but the trip came with more trouble.
On April 30, just two days after going public with his win, Farthing was arrested at a Florida resort for allegedly punching a hotel guest and kicking a police officer in the face while resisting arrest.
Florida officials charged him with battery on a law enforcement officer — a felony — and resisting arrest. The maximum sentence? Five years.
A Quick Return to Familiar Surroundings
Farthing was extradited to Kentucky in late May on a fugitive warrant stemming from a parole violation. While behind bars again, he waived his right to a probable cause hearing and opted to serve out a portion of his sentence instead of challenging the violation in court.
His name was kept off the jail roster to avoid media attention, according to reports.
Just two days after being released in June, Florida prosecutors formally filed charges. Farthing, free on $11,000 bond, has pleaded not guilty and is set for a July 14 arraignment.
A Fortune That Can't Buy Redemption?
Despite the charges, Farthing has spoken publicly about his past, admitting he's caused "a lot of stress" to his mother and expressing a desire to turn things around, according to KBTX.
But history may be hard to outrun. His past includes strangling a partner, using inmates as workers while avoiding labor himself, and paying off guards to smuggle in narcotics. Even when granted parole, he repeatedly tested positive for drugs, racking up additional time behind bars.
While he no longer qualifies as indigent — at least financially — Farthing's future remains uncertain. His winnings might cover legal costs, but they can't erase decades of criminal behavior or the ongoing cases now tied to his name.
It's a rare story where the jackpot might be the least lucky part.
References: Lottery Winner Has Dizzying Criminal Record | Man Who Was Arrested Days After Winning $167M Powerball Jackpot Requests to Serve Out His Sentence | $167.3M Powerball Winner, 50, Exposed as a Career Criminal Who Spent 30 Years in Jail Before Striking It Rich: Report
