Winner of $167.3m Powerball pot ‘punches man before kicking cop in hotel brawl’ days after landing state’s biggest prize

A lottery player won a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot but ended up in trouble after reportedly assaulting a man and resisting arrest.

James Farthing, the jackpot winner, found himself in jail just days after claiming his massive prize.

Mugshot of James Farthing.
James Farthing allegedly hit a cop in a hotel – just days after winning the PowerballCredit: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Reports suggest that he got into an altercation with a man at a luxurious Tradewinds hotel in St. Pete Beach, Florida, and allegedly punched the man.

A police officer tried to step in but was allegedly kicked in the head by Farthing, 50. 

The cop’s face ended up swelling up, according to an arrest report seen by the Smoking Gun.

Farthing was with his girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, and she allegedly wanted to fight other people at the bar.

She was said to be very drunk and was yelling at others, according to the arrest documents. 

Cops claimed that Fightmaster, 42, was screaming and rambling.

Farthing, of Kentucky, tried to flee the hotel after the alleged altercation, but was stopped by police.

He refused to put his hands behind his back. 

Farthing was out on parole after being previously charged in Kentucky.

Pinellas County cops have hit Farthing with a slew of charges.

He has been accused of violating his parole and battery.

Farthing is also accused of battery offenses against a police officer, and obstruction.

He is still in custody, according to his arrest report.

Meanwhile, Fightmaster has been accused of disorderly intoxication.

She has been released from jail.

Ex-convict Farthing made history by becoming Kentucky’s largest Powerball winner.

He and his mom, Linda Grizzle, bought a $2 slip and hit the jackpot by matching all six numbers.

They hit the jackpot on April 26 and cashed their ticket in just two days later.

Grizzle revealed she would use the prize to pay off her debt.

“It’s going to be a good Mother’s Day,” she said.

But, they have not decided how they want to receive their newfound fortune.

They can either receive a lump sum of $77.3 million before taxes are wiped.

Or, the duo can receive annual payments that increase by 5% each year. 

Mugshot of a woman in an orange jumpsuit.
Jacqueline Fightmaster allegedly threatened to fight guests at the barCredit: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Three people posing with a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot winning lottery ticket.
Farthing hit the jackpot just days before his arrestCredit: Kentucky Lottery
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