Jackson, MS - A Madison County man has answered in court for his failure to support his child, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.

James Coy Fendley, 41, pleaded guilty and was sentenced Monday for Felony Non-Support of a child before Madison County Circuit Court Judge John Emfinger.

Judge Emfinger sentenced Fendley to five years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with five years suspended and post release supervision in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.  The Judge also ordered, and the defendant paid today $5,000 towards his back child support of $40,000.  The defendant was also ordered to pay court costs.

Fendley must, during the course of the suspended five year sentence, pay an additional $250 a month on top of his regular child support obligation until his arrearage is paid in full.

“This defendant is finally being forced to pay what he owes,” said Attorney General Hood.  “Deadbeat parents can’t hide from their obligations 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.