Many years ago, people who owed debts but could not pay them were hauled off to “debtors prison” and kept there until they found a way to pay off their debt. This system of debt collection was recognized as inefficient and cruel, and in 1833 a U.S. federal law was passed banning debtor prisons. Several states followed suit over the years, until it seemed that such a barbaric debt collection system was a footnote in history. Then, with the rise of bankruptcy laws, there was a clear understanding that financial setbacks and problems should be forgiven under the proper set of circumstances.
However, while the government is willing to step in and free a borrower from the obligation of paying back creditors for goods or services they have received, they are not quite as generous about forgiving debts such as owed taxes and government backed student loans. And in the 1980’s and 1990’s, many jurisdictions started going after individuals who still had pending tax bills or student loans due, and many of those who were apprehended were surprised to find themselves thrown in jail for failing to pay their bill. In many cases, the charge was “contempt” or some other ruse to avoid saying that they were in prison for non-payment of a debt, but that is exactly what it was.
Man jailed for non-payment of student loan, page 2:
This is all very strange. It just feels like there is more to the story.
I didn’t say that, but jail shouldn’t even be a option…
They should have to work out a affordable payment plan based on the person’s income and living expenses…
That’s what voting for tater head got him!!!
29 years….
They can’t find al sharpton? He owes millions. This guy must like whites.
He had outstanding warrants and told the police he was armed…get your facts straight…
Arrest the asses who stole our social security funds! 1500 is a drop in the bucket compared to what congress took.
People need to look and see what happened. Owes like $1500 from 1987, now it’s up to like $5400 with interest. He drives a nice car and lives in a nice house and looks like he is doing pretty good. I watched the news interview of him and the Secret Service. They had sent him many letters and summoned to court, he told them to$#%&!@*off and would shoot if they came to his door. So he got what he deserved
Oh well