A warrant sweep in Macomb County has netted a big pay out for some families.
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office conducted the sweep from September 21-27, looking for parents with warrants for outstanding child support money.
Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said he publicized the sweep so people could take action before his deputies made any arrests.
"It gives them that incentive that they're forced with a choice to come to jail or pay what you can,” said Wickersham.
His deputies arrested 81 people, another 37 voluntarily turned themselves in.
Wickersham said some parents may be in a financial hard spot, but they shouldn’t wait until they are arrested to let the court know.
"Don't tell that story to our deputy sheriffs when they're coming to arrest you, you should be at the court talking to your case worker or the judge and say you know I lost my job, but when you don't do anything that's when we get involved and we show up,” said Wickersham.
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office brought in $688,593.00 during the warrant sweep. There is still $2,857,151.00 in outstanding costs.
Wickersham said it’s all about getting the money to the families that need it.
"Whether it's for clothing, books, food, shelter the money is to go back to the children,” said Wickersham.
Macomb County plans to conduct the warrant sweep again next year.
