Former MLB Star Gets Probation for Skipping Child Support Payments

By Sheryl Rentz on August 12, 2009

Former Major League Baseball star, Troy Neel, has been sentenced to five years of probation for failing to pay more than $700,000 in child support – the worst deadbeat record in Texas history. According to this Associated Press news report, a federal judge in San Antonio, Texas, sentenced the former Oakland Athletics first baseman, who could have received a maximum penalty of two years in prison. The judge spared him the prison sentence only because he would not have been able to pay child support while incarcerated. Neel was ordered to pay $779,000 in restitution. The 43-year-old Neel apparently lived in a South Pacific island resort when the $5,000 monthly payments for his two children went unpaid.

Child support payments have their purpose, but more importantly they are a significant part of a divorce agreement where one parent promises to pay the other monthly to support their children. Failure to pay child support in Pennsylvania can result in serious consequences including jail or prison time, suspension of passport or driver’s licenses, freezing of bank accounts and assets, as well as garnishing paychecks.

Skilled and aggressive representation from an experienced Pennsylvania child support attorney is a must if you are in a tough situation – whether it is paying up the money or as a parent trying to collect the child support you are due. Please call the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. We will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that your situation is promptly and satisfactorily resolved.