James Farthing, who won a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in April 2025, was arrested Sept. 20 after deputies found him asleep in a running car at a Georgetown, Kentucky, Walmart and charged with alcohol intoxication in a public place. Deputies reported signs of impairment and said they smelled alcohol and marijuana; surveillance footage reportedly contradicted Farthing's account of being dropped off. This is his fifth arrest since the jackpot, following earlier incidents that include alleged battery on an officer, burglary and an alleged domestic-violence incident. Farthing pleaded not guilty in July and was ordered to wear a monitoring device and avoid contact with the alleged victim.
Kentucky $167.3M Powerball Winner James Farthing Arrested Again — Fifth Arrest Since Jackpot Win
James FarthingCredit: Scott County Police Department
James Farthing, the 51-year-old who claimed a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in April 2025, was arrested in the early hours of Sept. 20 after deputies found him asleep in a running vehicle in a Georgetown, Kentucky, Walmart parking lot, authorities say.
What Happened
Deputies responded shortly before 3 a.m. to a report of a white Ford Mustang with a temporary tag stopped in the intersection of Cherry Blossom Way and Connector Road. The vehicle later pulled into the Walmart parking area and stopped near electric-vehicle charging stations. When officers arrived at about 4:04 a.m., the Mustang was still running and Farthing was asleep in the passenger seat; deputies say they had to knock on the window repeatedly before he woke.
James FarthingCredit: Fayette County Detention Center
Allegations of Impairment
Law enforcement officers allege Farthing showed signs of impairment, including bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and difficulty maintaining his balance. Deputies reported smelling alcohol and marijuana and described him as "manifestly under the influence of alcohol," saying he could pose a danger to himself or others if he were to operate the vehicle while impaired. He was charged with alcohol intoxication in a public place and booked into the Scott County Detention Center.
Surveillance Footage
Farthing reportedly told deputies that a woman had driven him to the parking lot and then left. However, surveillance footage reviewed by authorities reportedly showed the Mustang arriving at the lot with no one exiting the vehicle before officers arrived, a detail that contradicts his account.
James FarthingCredit: Kentucky Powerball
Arrest History Since the Jackpot
This is Farthing's fifth arrest since collecting the $167.3 million Powerball prize — the largest Powerball jackpot ever won in Kentucky. Days after claiming the prize, he was arrested in Pinellas County, Florida, following an incident at a resort; authorities there said he faced charges including battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest after allegedly kicking an officer.
In February, Farthing was arrested in Kentucky on a charge of intimidation of a participant in the legal process. In March, he was arrested and accused of second-degree burglary and marijuana possession; police alleged he entered a Lexington home and took about $12,000 in cash. In July, he was arrested in Scott County following an alleged domestic-violence incident and charged with first-degree strangulation (domestic-violence related) and fourth-degree assault (domestic violence causing minor injury).
Legal Status
Farthing pleaded not guilty at a July 28 hearing. A judge set bond at $15,000 and ordered him to avoid contact with the alleged victim and to wear an electronic monitoring device. As of the latest report, People and local outlets say authorities in Scott County have been contacted for additional information regarding the Sept. 20 arrest.
Note: All allegations remain allegations until proven in court.
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