Kentucky Powerball Winner Arrested After Alleged Burglary, Pot Charge

James Farthing, who won $167 million in 2025, is accused of breaking into a home and stealing $12,000 in cash.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of $100 bills, the edges slightly crumpled, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the temptation and risks associated with sudden wealth.The arrest of a recent Powerball winner on burglary charges raises concerns about the long-term impacts of sudden wealth on individuals and communities.Lexington Today

Less than a year after winning Kentucky's $167 million Powerball jackpot, 51-year-old James Farthing has been arrested in Lexington on charges of second-degree burglary and possession of marijuana. Security camera footage allegedly captured Farthing entering a residence and the victim reported $12,000 in cash was stolen. Police later found Farthing's vehicle and arrested him, also discovering marijuana and marijuana blunts in the car.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges some lottery winners face in managing their newfound wealth and the temptation to engage in criminal behavior, even after achieving financial security. It also raises questions about the long-term impacts of large lottery winnings on individuals and communities.

The details

According to the arrest citation, security camera footage captured Farthing allegedly entering a residence in Lexington around 7 p.m. on Saturday. The victim told police she saw the suspect at the side door on her cameras and heard a loud noise as if a door had been busted open. The victim reported $12,000 in cash was missing after the suspect's unlawful entry. Police said Farthing fled the scene before officers arrived, but they later found his vehicle in the Red Mile Gaming parking lot and located him inside around 9 p.m. During the arrest, police said they saw a burnt marijuana blunt in the ashtray of Farthing's vehicle and a search of the car yielded more marijuana and marijuana blunts.

  • On March 29, 2026, Farthing was arrested in Lexington, Kentucky.
  • In April 2025, Farthing was arrested in Florida on misdemeanor charges of battery and resisting an officer.

The players

James Farthing

A 51-year-old Kentucky resident who won a $167 million Powerball jackpot in 2025 and is now accused of breaking into a home and stealing $12,000 in cash, as well as possession of marijuana.

Lexington Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Farthing and filed the charges against him.

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What they’re saying

“Security camera footage captured Farthing allegedly entering a residence in Lexington around 7 p.m. on Saturday. The victim told police she saw the suspect at the side door on her cameras and heard a loud noise as if a door had been busted open.”

— Lexington Police Department, Arrest Citation

What’s next

Farthing is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, where a judge will decide whether to grant him bail on the new charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges some lottery winners face in managing their newfound wealth and the temptation to engage in criminal behavior, even after achieving financial security. It also raises questions about the long-term impacts of large lottery winnings on individuals and communities.