Lottery Winner Arrested for Kicking Officer in the Face Days After Securing $167 Million Jackpot: Police

Police were reportedly trying to break up a fight when the man allegedly kicked a deputy in the cheek

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James Shannon Farthing
James Shannon Farthing, the Kentucky Powerball jackpot winner arrested for assaulting an officer in Florida. Pinellas County Jail

Just two days after winning a record-breaking $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in Kentucky, a man was arrested in Florida for allegedly kicking a sheriff's deputy in the face during a fight, according to police.

James Shannon Farthing, 50, of Georgetown, Kentucky, made headlines on April 27 after he and his mother, Linda Grizzle, claimed the state's largest-ever Powerball prize, the Courier Journal reported.

The family had the option to receive $77.3 million in a lump sum or take annual payments totaling $167.3 million over 30 years.

However, two days later, deputies responded to a fight between Farthing and another man, Kevin Rushing, according to an arrest report obtained by the outlet. Farthing allegedly punched Rushing in the face, then kicked a deputy in the cheek as officers attempted to intervene.

Police said he allegedly resisted arrest and tried to flee before being detained. Farthing was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on April 30 and faces felony and misdemeanor charges including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and battery.

Farthing pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on May 1 and was ordered to have no contact with Rushing. His bond is set at $10,000.

Tags
Florida, Kentucky, Police, Arrested

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