Jackson, MS – A Hinds County man has answered in court for his failure to support his children, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.

Vernon J. Richard, 35 , of Jackson, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today for Felony Non-Support of his two children before Bolivar County Circuit Court Judge Johnny Walls.

Judge Walls sentenced Richard to ten years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (five years each count to run consecutive), ten years suspended, with ten years of probation in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.  The Judge also ordered and the defendant paid $2,540.00 toward his back child support today plus court costs.

During the ten year sentence, Richard is to pay an additional $200 a month on top of his regular child support obligation until his arrearage of $53,000 is paid in full.

“Today this defendant was told that revocation of his probation will happen, if he does not keep current with his child support obligation,” said Attorney General Jim Hood.  “We thank Judge Walls for reminding our deadbeat parents that there is no hiding place for them in Mississippi.”

The Attorney General’s Child Desertion Unit under the leadership of Director and Special Assistant Attorney General Deshun T. Martin prosecuted this case.