Pinellas County, Florida — Just one day after securing a historic $167.3 million Powerball jackpot, a Kentucky man’s Florida getaway spiraled into chaos when a barroom argument turned into a violent confrontation with deputies. Authorities say 50-year-old James Farthing was staying at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach when a dispute broke out between him and another patron who doubted his claims about the massive lottery win. Witnesses reported Farthing boasting about his newfound wealth before allegedly punching the other man in the face. Deputies intervened, but the situation escalated when Farthing, while attempting to kick his rival, struck a deputy in the face instead.
Moments later, body camera footage shows Farthing making a brief escape attempt before being stopped with a Taser and tackled to the ground. Farthing, who had planned to split his winnings with his mother, is now facing a far less glamorous reality, multiple charges including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and parole violation. His girlfriend, 42-year-old Jacqueline Fightmaster, was also arrested for disorderly intoxication in connection to the same incident. The arrest capped off a whirlwind 48 hours in which Farthing went from small-town lottery hero to headline-making defendant. Court records indicate he remains free on bond as he awaits trial, while prosecutors prepare to present a case that includes both eyewitness testimony and deputy bodycam video capturing the entire volatile encounter.
