Lottery Winner Strangles Woman, Arrested Again

James Farthing, who won Kentucky's largest Powerball prize of $167.3 million, was arrested on July 26, 2026, for allegedly strangling a woman. The incident reportedly occurred during an argument early Sunday morning, with the victim stating Farthing placed both hands on her neck. A nearby Ring camera may have recorded the alleged assault.

This arrest is Farthing's fourth since claiming his lottery winnings in April 2025. In the 14 months following his win, he was also arrested for assaulting a Florida deputy, for which he pleaded guilty, for allegedly intimidating a witness, and for a hit-and-run incident. He appeared in court on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, pleading not guilty to the strangulation and assault charges.

Farthing's bond was set at $15,000, and the judge ordered him to wear a monitoring device and stay away from the alleged victim. He assured the judge he would comply. Following his lottery win, Farthing had expressed plans to share the winnings with his mother.