Judge Rejects $10K Plea Deal For Accused $500K Deadbeat Dad

BROCKTON, Mass. (AP) — A former Massachusetts man authorities say owes nearly $500,000 in child support to three sons he fathered with two ex-wives will head to trial after a judge rejected a plea deal after hearing from the two women.

The deal would have allowed 49-year-old Stephen Cantrell go free if he pleaded guilty to six felony counts and paid each of his ex-wives $5,000.

The women, Cindy Cassidy and Sharon Cantrell, wanted harsher punishment.

The judge suggested 2 ½ years in jail, or a year in jail if he paid his families $50,000 combined.

Cantrell's lawyer said his client makes just $350 a week as a bartender.

Cantrell has 22 and 25 year old sons with one ex-wife, and a 17-year-old son with the other ex-wife. He owes $481,000 in child support.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.