A day after Father’s Day, several parents received a rude awakening Monday morning. But it wasn’t for a home-cooked breakfast.
Since midnight, Sheriff’s deputies have kicked in doors and arrested parents in Montgomery County who allegedly never showed up to court and failed to pay tens of thousands of dollars in back child support.
One of the men arrested on Monday was John Ramos of Phoenixville who officials say owes nearly $20,000.
“I’ve been keeping in contact with them and it’s a big misunderstanding,” he said as he was led away in handcuffs.
A free pass was given to hundreds of parents who failed to pay back child support, according to the Montgomery County Domestic Relations Department. A week long amnesty program, which ended Friday, gave parents the opportunity to come forward and work out a deal with officials without the risk of being arrested. On Monday however, detectives went after all of those who failed to take advantage.
“It’s for a child that’s not mine,” said Joseph Bilinski of Pottstown as police took him away. “I only owe $80.”
Bilinski quickly corrected himself however.
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“I only owe $800.”
County officials say all the parents who were arrested on Monday received an advance warning.
“They could have turned themselves in and worked out a deal or resolution to make payments or begin to make payments to make good on these warrants and their agreement with the courts,” said Montgomery County Sheriff Eileen Behr. “They failed to do so.”
Montgomery County officials say nearly 300 deadbeat parents owe a total of $6 million in back support. Officials also say the raids will continue until all the parents are found.
So far 13 parents have been arrested. Here’s a list of the first ten Montgomery County parents who were taken into custody on Monday.
Darryl Henning
John Ramos, III
Larry Tripp, Jr
Mark Buckland
Luis Delgado
Joseph Bilinski
Jose Morales
Brian Sinclair
Anthony Carpentieri
John Smith
