CASSOPOLIS — Cass County Circuit Court Judge Michael Dodge called it “pathetic.”

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Tiffiny Vohwinkle called it “ridiculous.”

No matter what you call it, more than $55,000 in unpaid child support landed Robert McKnight in jail.

McKnight, 38, of South Bend, was sentenced to 270 days in Cass County jail and five years of probation on Friday. He received credit for 113 days already served.

Since his son was born in 1994, McKnight has only made three child support payments, according to Dodge.

For his part, McKnight was apologetic.

“I love my family and my kids very much,” he said, adding he went back to school to get his diploma and is looking for work.

Dodge said he had no objections to work release.