A man who recently claimed a life-changing Powerball jackpot has a chilling past that consists of three decades in and out of prison.
James Shannon Farthing won a whopping $167.3 million on the April 26 drawing of Powerball having purchased a $2 from Clark’s Pump N Shop in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Despite purchasing the winning ticket, Farthing promised to split the money with his mother, Linda Grizzle, making for the perfect Mother’s Day.
“It’s going to be a good Mother’s Day,” Grizzle said. “This is going to pay off my debt.”
The lottery stated the family were working with a financial advisor on how best to spend the money.
But, just days after Farthing and his mother claimed the massive jackpot, the 50-year-old and his girlfriend were arrested at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
An affidavit alleges a fight took place that saw Farthing accused of punching another hotel guest in the face.
Not only that, but when a Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to break it up, Farthing allegedly kicked him in the face, too.
Farthing’s newfound wealth came in handy as he put $11,000 forwards for his bail, as his arraignment is scheduled for July 14.
Farthing has pleaded not guilty, and could face up to five years imprisonment if found guilty.
The Smoking Gun reports Farthing has spent 30 of his 50 years alive in prison after a string of offences.
He’s had convictions across nine counties in Kentucky, including choking a girlfriend, bribing officers while in prison and selling cocaine to a police officer who was undercover.
The lottery winner has spent a total of 30 years in prison (Pinellas County Jail)
Farthing’s venture into the criminal world began when he was a teenager, after being arrested for the likes of theft and reckless driving in his youth.
The recent lottery winner has also smuggled marijuana into a maximum-security facility, and even roped his mother into the criminal scheme.
Farthing’s mega lottery win is the largest Powerball jackpot ever won in Kentucky history; the last Powerball jackpot won in Kentucky in December 2010 and the largest won previously in 2009, amounting to $128.6 million.
Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Mary Harville said: “Kentucky finally has a Powerball jackpot winner! And not just any Powerball jackpot prize, it is a record for Kentucky. It is $167.3 million.”
Farthing was able to choose whether to receive 30 graduated annual payments or get the immediate cash amount of $77.3 million upon claiming the prize.
