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62 Deadbeat Dads And Moms Arrested In Macomb County Child Support Sweep

MT. CLEMENS (WWJ) - Deadbeat parents are being swept off the streets of Macomb County.

The sheriff's office, along with the Macomb County Friend of the Court, just wrapped up a week-long enforcement sweep focused on arresting parents who have outstanding warrants for non-payment of child support.

During the sweep, 62 mothers and fathers were arrested for outstanding warrants, the sheriff's office said. Those people arrested accounted for nearly $1.5 million in Friend of the Court arrearages. 

"Typically, we announce our sweeps prior to their start to prompt those individuals with warrants to appear and resolve them but periodically we take advantage of the element of surprise," said Thomas Blohm Friend of the Court Director in Macomb County. "We're still willing to work with individuals who want to personally appear at the Friend of the Court to resolve their warrants."

Blohm told WWJ's Jon Hewett the sweep helped them to bring in a some cash — although it's really just a drop in the bucket.

"We have 3,000 outstanding warrants in Macomb County; there's a total of $281 million owed in past due child support in Macomb County alone," he said. '

"We collected $26,485 in the bench warrant sweep that was all sent to families at a time where they really need it when the children are returning to school."

Those who are currently behind on child support payments are encouraged to voluntarily appear at the FOC Office. They will be given the opportunity to have their circumstances reviewed to determine if they qualify for a special program that can help substantially reduce state-owed arrearages, officials say. The Macomb County Friend of the Court Office is located at 40 N. Main St, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043.

Meantime, FOC is accepting tips from the public. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of a person with an outstanding Friend of the Court warrant in Macomb County is asked to call 586-469-5756 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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