A Kentucky man who won a huge Powerball jackpot might have run out of luck after being arrested in Florida for allegedly kicking a police officer in the face during a bar fight.
James Farthing and his girlfriend were arrested at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by USA TODAY on Friday.
Farthing, 50, is accused of punching another hotel guest in the face during an argument. A Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy was trying to break up the fight when Farthing kicked him in the face, causing swelling and redness, the affidavit said.
Police said that Farthing tried to flee the scene but was apprehended.
As for his girlfriend, another arrest affidavit says that she was trying to fight other patrons in the bar.
“She appeared very intoxicated and was yelling, screaming and making incoherent statements,” the affidavit said.
Farthing is being charged with one felony count of battery on a law enforcement officer and two misdemeanor counts of battery and resisting an officer, according to online court records. His girlfriend is being charged with one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.
Farthing’s attorney did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on Friday.
From winning the lottery to behind bars
The last week for Farthing has truly been a rollercoaster. On Monday, April 28, one day before his arrest, Farthing and his mother were announced as the winners of a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot.
The jackpot was the largest prize ever won in the history of Kentucky.
“It’s going to be a good Mother’s Day,” Farthing’s mother, Linda Grizzle, told lottery officials. “This is going to pay off my debt.”
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
