19 arrested in DeKalb’s “Deadbeat Parents” sweep

DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies made 19 arrests in a county-wide operation four days before Christmas aimed at men and women who were wanted for failure to meet court-ordered financial obligations to their children and some who are accused of cruelty to children.

The operation to find “deadbeat” parents involved a day-long sweep of the county that executed 174 warrants.  While warrants are endeavored year-round for these misdemeanors, a special effort is frequently made during the holiday season.

“The offending parent is already aware of the obligation and is rarely surprised when we show up with an arrest warrant,” says Sheriff Jeff Mann. “When the custodial parent who has been granted support by the courts is unable to obtain that support, it causes a financial hardship that becomes more pronounced this time of the year because of holiday expectations.  We hope this extra effort helps families collect at least some of what they are owed.”

Sheriff’s deputies were able to serve 99 of the outstanding child support warrants, which amounted to $139,566.15 in uncollected court-ordered child support payments.