Ludington man who owes over $50,000 in child support pleads guilty

David Bothwell with his attorney, Douglas Stevenson.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 38-year-old Ludington man who owes over $50,000 in back child support, pleaded guilty to a felony of failure to pay child support Tuesday, Aug. 11, in 51st Circuit Court.

In exchange for Daniel Lee Bothwell’s guilty plea, one count of third-offense habitual offender was dismissed.

The maximum penalty for the conviction is four years in prison, said Judge Susan Sniegowski. Sentencing is delayed for six months, and Bothwell was ordered to pay $350 per month on his arrearages in the meantime.

Bothwell testified that he was unable to pay child support because he was incarcerated and in rehab. He did not pay support from Dec. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2014, according to his court records.