Ben Rathbun from 90 Day Fiancé has been arrested due to unpaid child support, just a few months after his wedding to Mahogany.
Ben Rathbun, a star from 90 Day Fiancé, has been arrested for not paying child support just months after marrying his wife, Mahogany Roca.
The 53-year-old was taken into custody on Friday, November 22, in Macomb County, Michigan, for failing to meet his child support obligations. Currently, he is being held at the Oakland County jail, according to online records accessed by Lawyer Monthly.
There is no trial date set yet, as Ben is being held in civil contempt. Civil contempt refers to not following a court order, which can lead to penalties that may include jail time, as explained by Cornell law. This incident comes nine months after Ben shared an update about his relationship with Mahogany during a February episode of 90 Day Diaries, where they announced their marriage “a few months ago.”
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Ben expressed how wonderful their civil ceremony was, saying, “I could not believe how beautiful it was,” while photos from their ocean-side wedding played on screen. He also mentioned plans for a religious ceremony in the future. Despite their marriage, Ben revealed that adjusting to married life has been quite challenging, particularly financially. “I’ve gone about six months without a really good job, and bills have been piling up,” he shared. “Things are extremely tight now, and I’m doing everything I can to pay all the bills and prepare for my next trip to Peru.”
Viewers were introduced to Ben and Mahogany, who have a 30-year age difference, in season 5 of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, which aired on TLC from December 2021 to April 2022. The couple had a three-month online relationship before Ben, hailing from Michigan, made the trip to Peru to meet Mahogany in person for the first time.
Their relationship faced challenges right from the start, as Mahogany did not show up at the airport when Ben arrived, and fans described their initial date as “awkward.” Additionally, Ben discovered from Mahogany's parents that she was actually 22, despite her having told him she was 24. During the season's tell-all in April 2022, Ben shared, “We have a very young relationship. It’s very new. She’s concerned that I might not be here for the right reasons. Trust is essential, and it can’t be replaced. Time is also irreplaceable. No matter how deep your love is, it’s going to take time.”
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Despite facing some challenges, the couple managed to overcome their differences and shared the exciting news of their engagement in August 2022. In a YouTube video called “Looking for a RING!,” Ben and Mahogany captured the moments leading up to Ben’s proposal, including the heartfelt reaction of Mahogany, who hails from South America, when he popped the question at the very restaurant where they first met in person.
“She walked through that door right over there, and now here she is,” the reality TV star remarked, turning the camera to his girlfriend. “Can you tell everyone what just happened?” Mahogany proudly raised her left hand to the camera, showcasing the stunning diamond ring on her finger. “Look at this! Oh wow,” she exclaimed. “I just asked her to be my wife, and she said…” Ben began, with Mahogany completing his thought by saying, “Yes.”
For Mahogany Roca, not receiving child support could represent a larger issue of trust and responsibility, especially as she and Ben Rathbun navigate a marriage already strained by financial difficulties.
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Child support isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s a moral one, ensuring that a parent fulfills their role in providing for their child’s well-being. If Ben struggles to meet his responsibilities to his children from a previous relationship, it raises questions about the long-term stability and priorities within his current marriage. This situation underscores the emotional and practical challenges for partners and families impacted by unfulfilled obligations.