Former ‘American Idol’ Finalist Ordered To Jail Over Bills

Former “American Idol” finalist LaKisha Jones has been ordered to serve 45 days in jail after being found guilty of civil contempt for failing to pay her father’s nursing home bills.

The Flint Journal reports Genesee County Probate Judge Jennie Barkey on Friday gave her until Jan. 16 to turn herself in, but she could avoid incarceration if she pays more than $5,000 she owes along with $2,000 in attorney’s fees.

Barkey earlier found Jones in contempt for not paying Lonnie Jones’ bills.

Her attorney, Christopher J. Ebbott, says his client was unable to attend Friday’s hearing because she was at home caring for her sick children.

The 34-year-old Flint, Michigan, native finished fourth in 2007 on the TV talent show and performed on Broadway in “The Color Purple.”