James Farthing, the Kentucky man who won a record-breaking $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in April 2025, has been arrested for the fourth time in just over a year. He is now facing domestic violence charges after allegedly strangling a woman following a boating trip over the weekend .

The Latest Incident: Alleged Attack After a Boating Trip

Farthing, 51, was arrested on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at his home in Georgetown, Kentucky, and is being held at the Scott County Detention Center . According to a criminal complaint filed by the Scott County Sheriff's Office, a verbal argument between Farthing and a woman escalated into a physical confrontation after they returned from a boating trip on Sunday morning . The woman told police that Farthing put both of his hands around her neck and strangled her, restricting her breathing and leaving visible marks and welts on her neck . She also told investigators that the incident may have been captured on a Ring camera in the bedroom . Farthing is charged with first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault, both related to domestic violence .

A Troubled History Since the Win

This latest arrest marks the fourth time Farthing has been taken into custody since claiming his life-changing prize in April 2025, which he had promised to split with his mother, Linda Grizzle .

• April 2025 – Florida Arrest: Just days after winning the jackpot, Farthing was arrested in St. Pete Beach, Florida. He was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer after allegedly kicking a sheriff's deputy in the face while officers were breaking up a hotel bar fight . He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges in this case .

• February 2026 – Intimidation Charge: Farthing was arrested in Scott County on an intimidation charge. Police responded to a call from a woman who feared for her life; they found her hiding under a desk. She reported feeling pressured by Farthing to take a "gummy," and a search of the home uncovered a handgun, ammunition, and marijuana .

• March 2026 – Burglary and Theft: Farthing was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary and marijuana possession after being accused of breaking into a Lexington home and stealing approximately $12,000 in cash .

A Criminal Past Decades in the Making

Farthing's troubles with the law predate his lottery win by decades. Before his historic jackpot, he had spent approximately 30 years of his life incarcerated . His criminal record dates back to 1994 and includes a long list of offenses across multiple Kentucky counties, such as burglary, drug offenses, engaging in organized crime, and even escaping from a detention facility . His past also includes an incident where he involved his mother in a scheme to smuggle marijuana into a maximum-security prison .

Court Appearance and Strict Conditions

Farthing appeared in Scott County District Court on Tuesday where a "not guilty" plea was entered on his behalf . The judge set his bond at $15,000 and imposed strict conditions for his release, including that he wears an electronic monitoring device and has no contact with the alleged victim . His next preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2026 .