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Deputies Arrest 36 during Child Support Round-Up

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Release Date: August 15, 2008

Sheriff’s Deputies visited almost 300 homes across Shelby County during a two-day emphasis to arrest people wanted for non-payment of child support.  Thirty-six (36) people were taken into custody in the initiative coordinated by the Child Support Division of Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

“This is the second time the Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with Juvenile Court to settle unsolved child support cases.  I’m pleased our volunteer Reserve Deputies took a big role in the round-up along with our Fugitive Squad,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

More than 6000 people are wanted by the Child Support Division at Juvenile Court.  Last Sunday morning (August 10), Juvenile Court had the names of 3500 fugitives who live in Shelby County published in The Commercial Appeal.  The advertisement urged those wanted on child support charges to contact Juvenile Court by this past Wednesday (August 13) or face being arrested.  Seventy-six (76) people responded to the ad.

“Our goal is to help collect $143 million owed to families. With today’s economy, single parent families face financial challenges.  We also want violators to contact our office to help reduce the number of child support warrants that have to be served by Sheriff’s Deputies,” said Mitch Morgan, Director of the Child Support Division for Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County.

About 50 personnel from the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy, Fugitive and Emergency Services Bureaus conducted the round-up from a mobile command post set up at Whitehaven Plaza Shopping Center.  The round-up was at its busiest point between 6:30 p.m. and 1:30 this morning when 20 people were taken into custody.  Deputies continued their search for child support fugitives through the early afternoon.  

People who have questions about their child support cases should call the Child Support Division at Juvenile Court Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.  The number is (901) 405-8424. 

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