Kenneth Ray Williams, Failure to Pay Child Support, North Carolina 1994

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Former NBA Player Sentenced To Prison For Failing To Pay Child Support

Raleigh, NC – In a shocking turn of events, former NBA player Kenneth Ray Williams, 44, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment, followed by 1 year of supervised release, for his role in failing to pay over $600,000 in child support.

According to the investigation, Williams was first ordered to pay $2,500.00 in child support when he was playing basketball with the Indiana Pacers. Despite earning a salary of $750,000 per year by 1994, Williams failed to pay any support. In 1995, the support award was amended to include his third child and he was ordered to pay $3,750 per month for the support of his three children.

However, Williams failed to support his children despite earning salaries between $90,000 and $180,000 per year between 1995 and December 2000. Instead, he spent his money on luxury items, including fancy cars and lavish lifestyles while living overseas. His former wife and three children were forced to rely on Welfare and Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits.

Williams’ lack of responsibility continued even after he was accused of failing to pay child support. In July 2001, he caused his attorney to file a motion to continue a sentencing hearing claiming that he could not afford to travel to the United States. Unbeknownst to his lawyer, Williams was actually in the United States playing basketball with the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets.

Williams left the country and remained overseas, leaving his family to suffer the consequences of his actions. He failed to appear for a sentencing hearing in August 2001 and a warrant for his arrest was issued. Williams remained a fugitive until he was finally arrested on March 11, 2013.

United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced the sentencing, stating that Williams’ actions were ‘egregious’ and ‘egregious.’ Williams was also ordered to pay $661,277.00 in restitution. Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance provided by the Albemarle Child Support Enforcement Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan handled the prosecution on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office.

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