GRAND RAPIDS -- A Michigan man accused of fathering 23 children with 14 women has been sent to prison for failing to pay child support.

State prosecutors say Howard Veal of Muskegon owes more than $500,000. Kent County Circuit Judge Dennis Leiber says he's "stunned and amazed" by the case.

The judge told Veal: "Animals procreate. Human beings are supposed to nurture their children."

The Grand Rapids Press reports Veal was sentenced to two years to four years in prison Thursday, well above guidelines that called or six months in jail.

The 44-year-old Veal says he's been out of work and pays what he can. The Muskegon man pleaded guilty in July to owing more than $60,000 to a woman in Grand Rapids.

There are 14 child-support cases pending.

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