Kentucky $167.3M Powerball Winner Who Assaulted PD Pleads Guilty

Celebrating a little too hard, James Farthing, the winner of $167.3 million and a former convict, was arrested in Florida at St. Pete Beach near Tampa last April.

He had gone on a bender following the life-changing news that he would become a millionaire after a life of hardship, but his happiness was marred when he became disruptive toward other people, and police had to intervene.

Kentucky Man Who Won $167.3M Playing the Lottery Landed in Trouble Immediately

It was at this point that Farthing allegedly kicked one of the intervening officers in the face. He then attempted to flee on foot, but law enforcement eventually caught up with him and booked him.

In the most recent development in the case, a court filing suggests that Farthing is willing to accept a plea deal that would see the felony charge of battery against a law enforcement officer dropped, though he would still face a misdemeanor battery charge.

Regardless, the court has shown leniency in Farthing’s case and is unlikely to seek imprisonment. Instead, he will be ordered to pay $1,020 in fines and court costs.

Courts and Prosecutors Believe in Giving Second Chances

Farthing did spend some time in custody while arranging his $10,000 bail. According to The Smoking Gun, Farthing has been to prison before, and when he got into an altercation with a police officer and another patron, he was reportedly aggressive toward them. At one point, he even offered to serve out the sentence he had previously been released on bail for.

Farthing also reportedly has a rap sheet that includes prior run-ins with law enforcement and drug-related offenses. However, he now has the chance to turn his life around after choosing the cash option of his prize, which amounts to $77.3 million.

Despite his newfound wealth, Farthing would likely do best to steer clear of petty confrontations that could land him in further trouble. After all, he has been given what many would consider the ultimate second shot at life.