Arrest warrant issued for "millionaire dead beat dad" who owes $10M in child, spousal support

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - John Stanton is called the millionaire dead-beat dad, and now a warrant's out for the Bay Area businessman's arrest.

"The court is entering today a judgment of criminal contempt and a warrant for arrest," Hillsborough County Judge Caroline Tesche announced Thursday evening.

She sentenced Stanton to five months and 29 days in jail, after living his adult life, some say, in homes worth millions of dollars. Stanton owes $10 million in child support and alimony payments.

"He thinks he's above the law and can get away with and do whatever he wants," Erin Budinscak said.

Budinscak is the identical twin sister of Stanton's ex-wife, Susan, who now lives in California. She's come to every hearing on Susan's behalf and says, every time, her sister's ex-husband spins the same lies.

During a hearing in October, Stanton seemed motivated to pay.

"I'm very concerned about my son's health and well-being out in California and we need to work together to get this done," Stanton said at the time.

Thursday evening, Stanton said nothing, because he never appeared in court.

"He doesn't even show up here to give this court respect!" exclaimed Susan's attorney, Lou Hornstine.

Stanton's lawyer, Ron Russo, claims his client hasn't been employed for months and can't afford to pay.

"He's had to borrow money," Russo said. "Borrowed funds are not treated as available funds for ability to pay purposes."

Hornstine told Judge Tesche that Stanton's just a good liar, and excellent at hiding his wealth.

"Credibility? None," Hornstine said. "He's a con. John the Con Stanton. That's what this court has in front of it."

Stanton avoided arrest due to his absence Thursday.

So, the verdict may be the justice his ex-wife wanted, but first someone has to find him.

"If you're going to get married and have children, you need to take care of your family, and Mr. Stanton doesn't understand that concept," Budinscak said.

"He has the ability to pay. He just doesn't want to pay anymore."