Ne-Yo Loses Trial Over Missed New Years Gig, Ordered to Pay $156,000

R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo and his booking agent was ordered by a Maryland judge to pay more than

$156,000 in damages because the entertainer pulled out of a booked appearance at a 2008 New Year's Eve concert in Washington state.

Philip Caroom, an Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge, ruled for the payment Tuesday after a four-day trial in late July and early August, reports the Associated Press.

Ne-Yo and Maryland promoter Mike Esterman were sued by Kenyohn Clark, who claimed that Esterman misled him and failed to return a $95,000 deposit.

Court documents show Ne-Yo testified at trial that he knew in his "heart of hearts" that the deposit should have been returned.

Jason Brino, Clark's attorney, says his client was "basically public enemy No. 1" after the botched concert and abandoned the promotion business to take a job as a military contractor.