H. Beatty Chadwick (born 1936) is the current American record holder for the longest time being held in civilcontempt of court, having spent fourteen years in prison.[1][2]
In 1995, a judge ruled that Chadwick hid millions ofU.S. dollars inoverseas bank accounts so that he would not have to pay the sums to his ex-wife during theirdivorce.[3]
He wasincarcerated until such time as he could present $2.5 million to theDelaware County Court in Pennsylvania. Chadwick maintained that the money was lost in bad investments[4] and therefore he could not surrender money he did not possess.
On July 10, 2009, Chadwick was ordered released from prison by Delaware County Judge Joseph Cronin, who determined his continued incarceration had lost its coercive effect and would not result in him surrendering the money.[1]