By The Associated Press
TACOMA —
Kenneth Jones, a 52-year-old former Tacoma resident, owes nearly $260,000 in child support, topping a federal list of the nation’s worst deadbeat parents.
Jones’ debt for his two children dates back to 1998. Jones is believed to be in Australia or Hong Kong.
Since January 2012, Jones has topped the deadbeat parent list kept by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Similar to the FBI’s most wanted list, it features photos of alleged deadbeats and basic information on them and their possible whereabouts.
Only four accused deadbeat parents — all fathers — are on the list.
To make it on the list, a parent must owe more than $5,000 in child support, live in a different state than the child or have fled to another state or country to avoid paying child support.
The state Division of Child Support declined to provide details on Jones’ case. A spokesman said he couldn’t talk about the case because it is an open investigation.
An arrest warrant was issued for Jones in June 2006, alleging he failed to comply with a court order and failed to pay child support.
