Top Deadbeat Dad Jailed

The nation’s worst deadbeat dad, more than half a million short in child support payments, appeared Monday before a judge he skipped out on five years ago. This time, she put him in jail.

Jeffrey Nichols “has been so recalcitrant for so many years, has escaped the jurisdiction of so many courts, that I cannot in good conscience take a chance,” state Supreme Court Justice Phyllis Gangel-Jacob said.

Gangel-Jacob first issued a contempt of court warrant for Nichols in 1990 after he fell behind $68,000 on child support payments. By Monday, he owed $582,000.

Nichols made “no effort in all these years to pay anything,” the judge said. He was ordered held without bond. A hearing on the contempt charge was set for today.

“I think this is marvelous. It would give me great joy to think some checks were written this week, if only out of fear,” said Nichols’ ex-wife, Marilyn Nichols Kane.

Nichols is accused of trying to hide his money - and himself - in three states and two foreign countries. He even denied fathering the daughter and two sons born during the 16 years he was married to his first wife.