H. Beatty Chadwick

H. Beatty Chadwick (born 1936) is the current American record holder for the longest time being held in civil contempt of court, having spent fourteen years in prison.

In 1995, a judge ruled that Chadwick hid millions of U.S. dollars in overseas bank accounts so that he would not have to pay the sums to his ex-wife during their divorce.

He was incarcerated until such time as he could present $2.5 million to the Delaware County Court in Pennsylvania. Chadwick maintained that the money was lost in bad investments 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.