What began as a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot win for a Kentucky mother and son has since turned into a legal scandal.
On April 28, 2025, what looked like a fairy-tale Powerball moment quickly made national headlines: Kentucky residents Linda Grizzle and her son Shannon Farthing walked into the Kentucky Lottery office to claim a staggering $167.3 million prize.
It was just two days after they had matched all five white balls and the red Powerball (1, 12, 14, 18, 69, and Powerball 2) on a $2 ticket bought at Clark’s Pump N Shop in Georgetown. The win was hailed as the largest Powerball jackpot ever won in Kentucky.
Linda called it an early Mother’s Day gift. She went on to tell interviewers that it hadn’t “sunk in yet.” But now, just months later, this Powerball winner story has taken a turn that no one could’ve predicted. What started as an underdog story with hugs and happy tears, is now a spotlight on a long (and jaw-dropping) criminal past.
From Jackpot Dreams to Jail Time
Just days after collecting the big cash payout, Shannon Farthing was arrested. And it’s certainly not his first time.
According to reports, Shannon Farthing, 40, was arrested in Florida, adding to his already 16-page-long rap sheet. He was wanted for multiple offenses tied to activities that appear to predate the Powerball win. Law enforcement in Kentucky confirmed that warrants had already been active before he came forward as a Powerball winner.
Some publications cite Farthing as a "career criminal" with a web of legal troubles spanning nine counties that may have flown under the radar amid the Powerball winning buzz.
What Happens to Powerball Winnings After an Arrest?
One of the biggest questions circulating now: What happens to their money?
While neither had been convicted at the time of their lottery claim, both opted for the lump sum payout of $77.3 million. Whether or not legal action could seize a portion of those winnings depends on a mix of state law, restitution orders, and the nature of the charges.
Typically, lottery commissions do not conduct full background checks prior to awarding funds unless mandated. In this case, the win was verified and paid out before arrests were made.
A Mother’s Day Memory Rewritten
When they claimed the prize, the pair described a whirlwind of disbelief, joy, and dreams of helping family. Linda even said, “This is going to pay off my debt.”
Now, that quote hits differently.
Instead of becoming a story about giving back and staying grounded, this Powerball win may go down as one of the most controversial.
Still a Win for Kentucky?
Despite the criminal headlines, the win still triggered a $37,000 retailer bonus for Clark’s Pump N Shop, and it contributed to Kentucky Lottery scholarship programs funded by lottery revenue.
In fact, in 2024 alone, the Kentucky Lottery funneled $1.5 billion in prize money and supported over a million Kentucky students through educational grants and scholarships. That impact won’t be erased by one scandal. But it does offer a sharp contrast to the headlines now dogging the winners.
A Cautionary Tale for Powerball Players
This story started like so many Powerball dreams, with a lucky ticket, life-changing numbers, and a press conference filled with shock and tears of joy.
But it’s also a reminder that money doesn’t erase the past and, sometimes, it brings it back to the surface.
For Powerball players across the country, it’s a story that adds both a twist of caution and curiosity. Because when life hands you $167 million… The spotlight isn’t always forgiving.
Powerball Winner Stories Still Spark Excitement
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