A LOTTO winner who scored a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot is accused of assaulting a man before lashing out at a police officer.
James Farthing was incarcerated just days after stepping forward to claim his massive winnings.
He is said to have attacked a man following a dispute at the upscale Tradewinds hotel in St. Pete Beach, Florida, on Tuesday evening.
A police officer tried to step in but was allegedly kicked in the head by Farthing, 50.
The cop’s face ended up swelling up, according to an arrest report seen by the Smoking Gun.
Farthing was with his girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, and she allegedly wanted to fight other people at the bar.
She was said to be very drunk and was yelling at others, according to the arrest documents.
Cops claimed that Fightmaster, 42, was screaming and rambling.
Farthing, of Kentucky, tried to flee the hotel after the alleged altercation, but was stopped by police.
He refused to put his hands behind his back.
Farthing was out on parole after being previously charged in Kentucky.
Pinellas County cops have hit Farthing with a slew of charges.
He has been accused of violating his parole and battery.
Farthing is also accused of battery offenses against a police officer, and obstruction.
He is still in custody, according to his arrest report.
Meanwhile, Fightmaster has been accused of disorderly intoxication.
She has been released from jail.
Ex-convict Farthing made history by becoming Kentucky’s largest Powerball winner.
He and his mom, Linda Grizzle, bought a $2 slip and hit the jackpot by matching all six numbers.
They hit the jackpot on April 26 and cashed their ticket in just two days later.
Grizzle revealed she would use the prize to pay off her debt.
“It’s going to be a good Mother’s Day,” she said.
But, they have not decided how they want to receive their newfound fortune.
They can either receive a lump sum of $77.3 million before taxes are wiped.
Or, the duo can receive annual payments that increase by 5% each year.
