A Traverse City man could spend up to four years in prison if found guilty of failing to make regular child support payments over the last four years.

Elijah P. Rokos, 29, of 902 Washington St., Traverse City, was arraigned in 86th District Court on charges of failure to pay child support and desertion and abandonment of a child by not providing adequate food and shelter. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16 at 10:45 a.m. and he is free on bond.

According to court documents, on March 28, 2003, in the 13th Circuit Court Family Division in Leelanau County, Rokos was ordered to pay $381 a month to support two children and $247 a month to support one child. Rokos allegedly has not made the required payments in the amount set in the order or in the time required. His last payment of $99.02 was allegedly made in December 2005. As of Oct. 31, 2006, Rokos allegedly owes $15,917.61 in support payments and late fees.

Both charges are felonies. If he pleads to or is found guilty to the first charge, in addition to paying all the back payments and fines, Rokos faces a maximum penalty of up to four years in prison and or up to $2,000 in fines. If he is found guilty on the second charge, the maximum penalty is from 1 to 3 years in prison, or from three months to one year in jail and/or probation if he posts a bond.