Lottery millionaire arrested for 12,000 USD theft

Farthing, who won more than 167 million USD last year, has been arrested for the third time, facing charges of burglary, theft, and cannabis possession.

James Farthing, 51, was arrested last weekend on charges of breaking into a home in Lexington, Kentucky, stealing 12,000 USD in cash, and then fleeing in a black Porsche.

Police later intercepted his vehicle and found cannabis inside. Farthing was taken to Fayette County Detention Center without resistance.

This marks the third time Farthing has been arrested since winning 167 million USD almost a year ago.

James Farthing was arrested in February in Scott County, Kentucky. *Photo: WKYT*

A day after claiming the jackpot, Farthing was arrested in Florida for assault and battery and assaulting an officer. Authorities later discovered his extensive criminal record across 9 counties in Kentucky, including assaulting women, bribing police while incarcerated, and cocaine trafficking.

In February, Farthing was indicted in Scott County on charges of threatening a woman involved in his legal proceedings. Farthing picked up the woman as scheduled, then was accused of forcing her to consume a cannabis-laced gummy. He is scheduled to appear in court for this case in early April.

Farthing has committed crimes since his teenage years, ranging from theft to reckless driving. He completed only 10 years of schooling, earning his high school diploma while in prison.

On 28/4/2025, Farthing and his relatives claimed the 167 million USD jackpot, the largest in Kentucky's history. Farthing decided to split the winnings with his mother as a Mother's Day gift.