Summary
- A man who won $167 million has been arrested in Florida for allegedly punching and kicking a police officer during a brawl.
- Farthing, who has a history of theft and drug offenses, is currently facing significant legal issues, which may include a potential parole violation.
- He could receive up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and probation for committing battery against a law enforcement officer in Florida.
Imagine this: you've just hit the jackpot, winning $167 million in the Powerball lottery in Kentucky. To celebrate, you're heading to Florida for a getaway. Your girlfriend will be joining you because, as a millionaire, you're all about sharing the joy. You're planning to split the winnings with your mother, and after taxes, your share will be a still-impressive $77 million. With that amount, you're set for life.
Powerball winner's celebration turns violent in Florida
Why would someone allegedly punch and kick a police officer in the face? This is the question now facing James S. Farthing. Farthing, 50 years old and previously involved in legal troubles, was arrested on Tuesday. This came just a day after he visited the Kentucky Lottery headquarters to confirm his identity as the state’s biggest Powerball winner in history. On Tuesday, reports based on official police documents emerged, indicating that Farthing's girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, who appeared with him in photos celebrating the jackpot win, was also present during the incident. The events reportedly took place at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida, where Farthing got into an altercation with another individual. When a police officer arrived to defuse the situation, Farthing allegedly punched the officer and subsequently kicked them while they were on the ground. He attempted to escape but was soon apprehended.
Farthing faces jail time, fines, and possible parole violation
Reports indicate that Fightmaster, a woman who was allegedly intoxicated, continued to brawl and shout at others despite the ongoing events, leading to charges of public intoxication. Both Fightmaster and Farthing were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, with Farthing being taken to jail. Farthing faces charges of battery against a law enforcement officer and may have also violated his parole in Kentucky, potentially compounding his legal troubles in the upcoming weeks and months. The battery charge in Florida alone could result in a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and five years of probation. Farthing has reportedly been convicted of several offenses, including theft, drug-related crimes, and receiving stolen property. Ironically, he might be one of the wealthiest lottery winners to have committed a serious crime soon after claiming his prize.
