History of Powerball winner arrested just days after pocketing $167.3M jackpot revealed

A man who recently claimed a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot has been unmasked as a career criminal with a lengthy rap sheet spanning more than three decades.

James Shannon Farthing, 50, of Georgetown, Kentucky, made headlines in April after splitting the historic jackpot with his mother, Linda Grizzle, but his past soon came back into focus following his arrest just two days after the win, prompting scrutiny of his criminal history.

Farthing has spent a cumulative 30 years behind bars for a wide range of offenses, including domestic violence involving strangulation, attempted bribery of correctional officers while incarcerated, and the distribution of cocaine to an undercover law enforcement agent, according to a report.

His decades-long criminal record dates back to his teen years, as he was only able to complete 10 years of formal schooling, ultimately earning his GED in prison, The Smoking Gun reported.

In his later years, Farthing escalated his criminal activities by becoming involved in drug trafficking, reportedly enlisting his mother in a plot to smuggle marijuana into a maximum-security correctional facility.

He ultimately accepted a plea agreement that exonerated Grizzle of involvement, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence, according to the report.

However, Farthing’s incarceration did little to curb his misconduct. 

James Shannon Farthing (center), 50, made headlines in April after splitting the historic jackpot with his mother, Linda Grizzle (left), but his past soon came back into focus following his arrest just two days after the win, prompting scrutiny of his criminal history

Farthing has spent a cumulative 30 years behind bars for a wide range of offenses, including domestic violence involving strangulation, attempted bribery of correctional officers while incarcerated, and the distribution of cocaine to an undercover law enforcement agent, according to a report

He was repeatedly placed in administrative segregation for infractions that included smuggling various forms of contraband – such as drugs and alcohol-related items – into the prison.

Additionally, he was known to extort fellow inmates by charging them for the return of personal belongings he had stolen, according to the report.

The heavily tattooed career criminal was also repeatedly denied parole, in part due to his extensive and ongoing pattern of criminal behavior, which showed little indication of abating.

Farthing’s physical transformation has been extensively documented through numerous mug shots over the years.

But, even his recent acquisition of enormous wealth has not curtailed his criminal tendencies.

Earlier this year, on April 30, while vacationing in Florida with his girlfriend, Farthing was arrested at the TradeWinds Island Resort in St. Pete Beach after allegedly punching a fellow guest and kicking a responding deputy in the face – just days after his record-breaking lottery win.

Police were called to the resort’s bar around 11:10 p.m. after reports of a physical altercation between Farthing and another guest.

The winning $2 ticket was purchased at a Clark’s Pump-N-Shop in Georgetown

At the time of the win, Farthing’s mother Linda Grizzle said the money would ‘change their lives’ and help pay off debts. Pictured: James Farthing and his mother purchase the winning ticket inside Clark’s Pump-N-Shop in Georgetown, Kentucky

Authorities said Farthing was intoxicated, uncooperative and aggressive, ultimately lashing out violently at law enforcement.

The deputy was reported to have swelling and redness on the right side of his face under his eye, according to an affidavit.

The jackpot winner now faces charges of battery on a law enforcement officer – a felony – and a pair of misdemeanors, resisting an officer without violence and battery.

In addition, officials in Kentucky have issued a warrant for violating his parole, which stems from prior convictions for theft and drug offenses.

The winning $2 ticket was purchased at a Clark’s Pump-N-Shop in Georgetown, where Farthing and his mother were faced with the choice of receiving 30 annual payments or take the cash option of $77.3 million.

At the time of the win, Grizzle said the money would ‘change their lives’ and help pay off debts.