Weird News of the Day

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. - Paul Alexander's 15 minutes of fame have turned into a year in prison. Alexander bragged on television that he dumped his girlfriend while a guest on “The Jerry Springer Show.” After receiving a tip, Cape May County prosecutors watched as Alexander and his 22-year-old girlfriend spoke of their 7-year-old child. Authorities did the math and determined that the couple's sexual relationship began when the woman was 13, according to prosecutor Marian Ragusa. Prosecutors charged Alexander, 29, with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree sexual assault for having sex with the woman when she was underage. The woman, who was identified only as Rita, told the court she didn't want Alexander sent to jail, but prosecutors and the judge were adamant that prison time was required. “Once a person goes on national television and acknowledges committing a crime, I can't imagine a state - any state - standing idly by,” said Judge Carmen Alvarez.