$167.3 Million Powerball Winner Arrested for Assaulting Deputy During Florida Resort Bar Brawl

A Kentucky man who recently claimed a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot alongside his elderly mother was arrested just days later for allegedly assaulting a Florida sheriff’s deputy during a bar fight at a beachside resort. James Farthing, 50, and his girlfriend Jacqueline Fightmaster, 42, were both taken into custody after a chaotic scene unfolded late Tuesday night at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach.

Farthing, who gained national attention over the weekend after purchasing the winning lottery ticket at Clark’s Pump N Shop in Georgetown, Kentucky, was accused of punching another hotel guest in the face during an argument before escalating the situation further. When a Pinellas County deputy attempted to intervene, Farthing allegedly kicked the officer in the face, causing visible swelling and redness under the eye, according to an arrest affidavit. He then attempted to flee the scene but was unsuccessful.

The violent encounter occurred around 11:10 p.m., just two days after Farthing posed with an oversized ceremonial check alongside his mother, Linda Grizzle, and Fightmaster during a celebratory press event. The win, announced by the Kentucky Lottery, had appeared to mark a life-changing moment for the family. Farthing stated that although he purchased the $2 Powerball ticket, he would be splitting the massive prize with his mother, who had called to inform him of their victory.

While Farthing’s fortunes soared briefly, they quickly took a turn. In addition to the battery on a law enforcement officer—a felony—he also faces two misdemeanor charges and is being held on a parole violation related to past convictions in Kentucky. Records indicate Farthing has a criminal history including charges for theft, receiving stolen property, and drug-related offenses.

Meanwhile, Jacqueline Fightmaster was charged with public intoxication. Police records allege she appeared highly intoxicated and was aggressive toward other patrons at the bar, yelling incoherently and appearing to provoke a physical confrontation.

Farthing remains in custody, while Fightmaster has since been released. A legal representative listed for Farthing did not respond to inquiries as of Thursday.

At the time of their lottery win, Farthing and his mother had expressed plans to use their newfound wealth to pay off debt. They have the option to receive the prize in 30 graduated annual payments or take a lump sum of $77.3 million. Grizzle had called it “a good Mother’s Day” and said the money would be life-changing.