Texas man gets prison in child-support case

YOUNGSTOWN -- A Texas man was sent to prison for five months Friday for violating terms of his probation for failure to pay child support.
Reggie Allen, 44, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Mahoning County, was placed on probation for three years in 1997 by Judge Robert Lisotto of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. He was allowed to return to Austin, Texas, with orders to look for a job.
Assistant prosecutor Edward DeAngelo said Allen did not report to probation authorities in Texas as ordered, and did not make support payments. Texas authorities notified Judge Lisotto, who issued a warrant for his arrest.
DeAngelo said Allen recently returned to the area voluntarily to answer the probation violation charge. At a hearing Friday, Judge Lisotto terminated the probation and ordered Allen to serve five months in prison, which is the balance of a one-year sentence.
Allen had been given credit for some seven months he served in the county jail after his arrest.
DeAngelo said Allen owed $48,000 in support for a child who is now 25.