A man on probation in Kentucky is facing multiple charges after he reportedly left the state without permission and physically assaulted an officer in Florida after collecting a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot.
On April 26, a man who previously served a 14-year prison sentence and is on parole until August became the recipient of half of the $167.3 million Powerball jackpot his mother won on a ticket he bought for her from a convenience store in Georgetown. On April 30, though he reportedly failed to get the required permission to leave the state, he and his girlfriend were involved in an incident at a hotel in Florida. While at the waterfront resort in St. Pete’s Beach, the man had an encounter with a patron that allegedly led to him striking the other party in the face. When a deputy from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office intervened to try to diffuse the situation, the man reportedly swung his leg, and his foot made contact with the deputy’s face. At the same time, the man’s girlfriend, who was allegedly intoxicated, reportedly began yelling at people and defending him.
When the deputy tried to arrest the man, he reportedly tried to run away. According to reports, after he was caught, he remained uncooperative with law enforcement.
The man was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of felony battery on a law enforcement officer, misdemeanor resisting an officer without violence (obstruction), misdemeanor simple battery, and a felony parole violation from a Kentucky conviction. He is currently being held without bond since a warrant was activated when the authorities in Kentucky found out about the incident.
His girlfriend was also arrested, and she may be charged with a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.