By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.
FILE – In this Feb. 9, 2013 file photo, Stevie J arrives at Roc Nation’s Pre-Grammy Brunch at the Soho House in Los Angeles. Stevie J of VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” has been released on bond following his arrest for failing to pay over $1 million in child support. Stevie J, whose real name is Steven Jordan, was released Wednesday, June 11, 2014, from the Fulton County Jail. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP, file)
ATLANTA (AP) — An attorney for music producer Stevie J denies prosecutors’ allegations that his client owes $1 million in child support, and the reality star says he’s happy to be home on bond.
The star of VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” whose real name is Steven Jordan, was released on a $25,000 bond Wednesday from the Fulton County Jail.
The Atlanta resident, who was arrested Monday in Georgia on the New York charges, has been ordered to appear in court in the Southern District of New York.
“It feels great. I’m home with my wife,” Jordan told The Associated Press shortly after his release, while his wife Joseline Hernandez sat next to him. “I’m just ready to get this behind me.”
The 40-year-old Grammy winner has produced and written hits for Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey and Eve.
Federal prosecutors in New York say in court documents that Jordan missed many child support payments for two children he had with a former girlfriend. The 17-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl currently live with their mother in Pennsylvania.
In 1999 while the children were infants, Jordan was ordered to pay nearly $6,600 per month, the documents show. That amount increased to nearly $8,600 in 2011.
Prosecutors say Jordan had the means to support the children. For example, they say he earned $193,000 on the show and another $100,000 from music royalties in the first eight months of 2013.
“Steven Jordan failed to pay over $1 million in child support even while earning substantial income from his participation in a reality television show,” U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said.
A message seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned by an organization representing the former girlfriend.
The charge of failing to pay child support carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison.
Atlanta attorney Daniel Meachum, who is representing Jordan, said in a statement after Jordan’s release that his client has been a great father, both emotionally and financially.
“We plan on proving that if there is an amount owed, it is definitely not a million dollars, nor anything close to that amount,” Meachum said.
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