Philadelphia Courts Owed Over $1 Billion

bail jumping and failure to pay fines and restitution are to blame.

Court officials in Philadelphia are stepping up efforts to collect about $1.5 billion owed to the cash-strapped city by defendants who jumped bail or failed to fork over fines or restitution.

Officials on Monday said the new Office of Court Compliance will pursue about 400,000 people who owe money to the court system. Much of the debt has gone unpaid for decades.

Common Pleas Court President Judge Pamela Pryor Dembe tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that the courts are not willing to let the debts slide any longer.

Court officials have set a February 28 deadline for debtors to pay up or establish repayment plans. If they don't they could have their wages garnished, property seized or even be arrested.
      

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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