LOUISVILLE — A man accused of fathering a dozen children by 11 women was sentenced to a year in prison prison Monday for shirking child-support obligations, but he won't be shackled by a proposed no-sex order.

        Luther Crawford was given one-year sentence to be served concurrently for two counts of flagrant non-support, which followed the recommendation from prosecutors.

        Mr. Crawford, 49, had signed a plea agreement in March that included an abstinence provision. At the time, Mr. Crawford and his lawyer thought the clause was a joke that prosecutors wouldn't try to enforce.

        On Monday, his lawyer was prepared to argue that clause was unconstitutional and could not be enforced.

        The condition became a moot point when Jefferson Circuit Judge Tom McDonald chose prison rather than probation. The judge said that “based on the totality of the circumstances, I find that probation would unquestionably diminish the seriousness of these offenses.”

        In the case heard Monday, Mr. Crawford owes $33,000 in support for two of his children. Mr. Crawford is already in jail in another child-support case pending in district court. Prosecutor Allan Cobb said Monday that Mr. Crawford's child-support debts totaled more than $74,000.

        Judge McDonald said he was appalled by Mr. Crawford's inability to identify one of his daughters. Mr. Crawford could not give the girl's first name when questioned for the presentence report, or when asked by the judge Monday.

        “In all candor, I think it's a very good indication of your view of your parental responsibilities,” Judge McDonald said.

        The girl's mother spoke up in the courtroom, and afterward said Mr. Crawford should have gotten a longer sentence.

        Judge McDonald said his focus was on Mr. Crawford's guilty pleas to the non-support charges, not on the proposed no-sex condition for probation.

        Mr. Crawford never spoke in his defense and sat quietly while Judge McDonald lectured him on the responsibilities of fatherhood.

        “I can't order you to be a good, loving father,” McDonald said. “But the law requires you to pay support for your children, and in that regard you've failed miserably.”

        Defense attorney Isaac Beckley said Crawford wanted to pay child support but has been unable to work because of serious medical conditions, including heart problems, glaucoma and tendinitis in an arm and wrist.

        Crawford was unavailable for comment Monday, but in a previous interview with The Courier-Journal he described himself as “a respectable man, a churchgoing person.”

        “I'm not out there just going on a rampage making kids,” he told the Louisville newspaper. “It wouldn't happen like that. I'm a man, you know. They're females. Things happen, you know.”

Allegiances divisive, even far from Mideast
Vote on ordaining gays has nationwide implications
Boats sink, 2 men missing
Former Democratic chairman testifies at Conese fund trial
Mega Millions game gets go-ahead
Teen effort to salute soldier may be model
West Chester looks at services for growing group
Some Good News
PULFER: Law lagging
RADEL: Welcome mat?
Bus firm wants to ride on tax
Local team returns to TV
Airport suspect talkative in court
Jealousy may be why woman slain, police say
Prosecutors look over files
Smokers, businesses may be hit up
Walk will raise funds for hospital
City schools keep panel to advise on work contracts
Consultant to continue work in Mason
Lakota district hires principal for new elementary school
Man accused of spraying toxin on trooper
Private colleges see enrollment tightening
Tristate A.M. Report
Judge rejects no-sex condition for deadbeat dad
Ky. expects to see economic benefit
Louisville Archdiocese sees 11 more suits filed
Principal aims for state honor
Kentucky A.M. Report