As of Tuesday night, conservative commentator and WLAC host Steve Gill has been booked into the Williamson County Jail.

In May, Williamson County Judge James Martin ordered the Tennessee Star co-founder to pay $170,000 in child support to his ex-wife, Kathryn B. Gill. At the time, he was given 10 days to pay the money.

More:Conservative commentator Steve Gill ordered to pay $170K or face jail in child support dispute

Martin held a hearing Tuesday and directed the Williamson County sheriff to arrest Steve Gill for failing to pay Kathryn Gill.

His bond to leave jail is $170,000, the same as the child support amount, according to Williamson County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Sharon Puckett.

Under Martin's order, Gill will remain in jail until he pays the money he owes to his ex-wife.

The case originated in January, when Gill's ex-wife filed a petition for civil contempt.

Kathryn Gill was seeking $86,000 in child support from Steve Gill, in addition to $4,400 in medical expenses, $133,000 in college expenses and another $11,000 for a car she purchased for the children's use.

She was also seeking half of the earnings Steve Gill receives if a building he partially owns in Knoxville is sold.

The couple divorced in 2011.

About Gill

In recent years, Gill has been paid by former House Speaker Glen Casada, expelled former Rep. Jeremy Durham, former state Rep. Judd Matheny, former state Sen. Mae Beavers, and perennial candidate Joe Carr, who is now a state employee.

He also spearheaded the conservative website The Tennessee Star.

Gill's ties to Tennessee politics date back to 1990, when he was reportedly in the mix to serve as U.S. attorney. Two years later, he served as a delegate for President George H.W. Bush. Gill unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 1994 and 1996.

Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.