Kentucky Powerball winner arrested in Florida just days after $160M jackpot announcement

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — A man who recently made Kentucky Lottery history by winning over $160 million in the Powerball is now making headlines for a very different reason.

James Shannon Farthing, who was announced, along with his mother, as the record-setting jackpot winner just days ago, has been arrested in Florida. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Farthing is facing multiple charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.

An arrest affidavit alleges that deputies were attempting to break up a fight involving Farthing and another person when Farthing reportedly kicked one of the deputies in the face. The incident happened on April 30—just two days after his historic lottery win was announced.

Farthing is currently being held in a Florida jail as the investigation continues.