James Farthing, a Kentucky man who won a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in April 2025, has been arrested for the fifth time since claiming the prize. The latest arrest took place on September 20, 2026, after deputies reportedly found him asleep inside a running Ford Mustang in a Walmart car park in Georgetown. He had shared the historic prize with his mother, Linda Grizzle, after purchasing a $2 ticket from a Georgetown retailer.
Authorities charged him with being intoxicated in a public place following reports of alcohol-related impairment. The incident adds to a series of legal cases involving Farthing since his jackpot win.
Police found Kentucky Powerball winner asleep in a running Mustang
Earlier incidents included an April 2025 arrest in Florida, where Farthing was accused of kicking a sheriff’s deputy during an altercation. In February 2026, he faced an intimidation charge, followed by burglary and marijuana-possession charges in March after being accused of entering a Lexington home and stealing $12,000. The latest incident began shortly before 3 a.m. on Sunday, September 20, when a caller reported a white Ford Mustang stopped in the middle of an intersection in Georgetown, Kentucky. In February 2026, Farthing was arrested in Georgetown on a charge involving intimidation of a participant in a legal process.
The vehicle later moved to a Walmart car park on Osborne Way, according to the arrest citation reported by WKYT.
The case followed a report from a woman who contacted emergency services and said she feared for her safety. Police investigated an incident at Farthing’s home and reportedly found a woman hiding under a desk, according to People. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and obstruction or resisting arrest. In July, he was arrested on domestic violence-related charges, including first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault. Farthing has pleaded not guilty to the domestic violence charges. Deputies arrived and found the Mustang parked near an electric vehicle charging station with its engine running. Farthing was reportedly asleep in the passenger seat. Officers knocked on the window several times before he woke up. Authorities also searched the property and allegedly discovered a handgun, ammunition, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
July domestic violence case involved strangulation allegations
A judge set his bond at $15,000 and ordered him to avoid contact with the alleged victim. Farthing pleaded not guilty through his legal representative. He was also required to wear an electronic monitoring device with a notification feature.