Trigger Warning: This article mentions details about abuse and assault.
It’s said that when the almighty decides to shower you with blessings, it’s a wholesome experience on its own! 50-year-old James Shannon Farthing, a Kentucky native, won a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot on April 27, 2025, after a ticket was sold at Clark’s Pump N Shop in Georgetown, James Farthing told WKYT.
“I’m always buying [lottery tickets] ’cause I’m like ‘somebody’s gotta win.'” he said after he won.
Alas, his luck did not favor him for long, as he was arrested in Florida for allegedly punching a man in the face and kicking a sheriff’s deputy during a dispute at a hotel bar. He also violated his parole by leaving Kentucky without informing his parole officer.
James, who hit the jackpot alongside his 77-year-old mother, Linda Grizzle, and girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, is a convicted felon who spent 30 of his 50 years behind bars, serving time in 25 different correctional institutions across Kentucky.
$167.3M Powerball winner, 50, exposed as a career criminal who spent 30 years in jail before striking it rich: report https://t.co/2PEYfpbx4T pic.twitter.com/XXKWC4KoUn
— New York Post (@nypost) July 4, 2025
His criminal history spans 16 pages and includes offenses in nine counties, ranging from theft and drug trafficking to assault and bribery. As per The New York Times, James was a notorious teen who lived his young days by recklessly driving around and then moving ahead to serious crimes like smuggling drugs into prison and even involving his mother in a marijuana (weed) trafficking scheme.
Though he accepted a plea deal that protected her from charges, James Farthing served 10 years behind bars. Yet, reports suggest that his conduct did not improve in jail. He was regularly placed in segregation for smuggling contraband and bullying fellow inmates by stealing and “charging” them to return their belongings.
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His ruthless deeds and parole violations kept him in and out of custody. Meanwhile, James Shannon Farthing’s recent arrest was added to his existing list of criminal records as James has been slammed with charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, both felonies.
He posted $11,000 bail, reportedly using a portion of his lottery winnings. He pleaded not guilty and is due in court on July 14. If convicted, he could face up to five years in jail just for the assault on the deputy.
Meanwhile, the lottery jackpot that James won crossed the 2009 draw by nearly $40 million. It was the most significant win in Kentucky’s history. James and his mother, Linda Grizzle, decided to split the earnings that they would receive through different payment methods, like either opting to receive the $167.3 million over multiple payments or a lump sum payment of $77.3 million.
“Just can’t believe it!” Linda was in shock after winning the $167.3 MILLION #Powerball Jackpot! 🙌 She is sharing the win with her son!🥳 Please join us in congratulating them on this #WinnerWednesday! https://t.co/WLtQX8YOFX pic.twitter.com/6wnk0aoH1D
— Kentucky Lottery (@kylottery) April 30, 2025
These kinds of crime stories reveal the true and unpredictable nature of human beings. This proves that people don’t change that easily, even if regular habits change, the core values of a person seldom change after a certain age and period. A user took to X and said, “Nail in the coffin for karma being a thing.”
Despite the fact that James won a massive lottery and could lead a lavish life with dignity and comfort, he got arrested for his rage. This story also tells us that our actions from our past determine our present and our future in some instances, and money cannot build a strong character. We hope the money from the lottery win can help James return to normalcy as he navigates his way to live a dignified and reformed life.
Presently, James Shannon Farthing remains in jail in Florida as his trial is set to begin. Stay tuned for further updates on this story!
