A Pontiac man is facing a felony charge in Macomb County for allegedly skipping out on child support payments topping $20,000.
Anthony Leach, 35, is charged with failure to pay child support, punishable by up to four years in prison. He was arraigned recently in 41-B District Court in Clinton Township, where Magistrate Ryan Zemke set bond at $4,639.
According to a news release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, the charge was filed because Leach allegedly ignored a 2022 court order to pay the child support, and an investigation determined that “he has the ability to pay but chose not to cooperate.” Payment options have reportedly been offered.
“Parents have a legal and moral obligation to support their children. This defendant’s failure to pay child support not only violates the law but also denies his child the resources they need to thrive. Our office is committed to holding individuals accountable when they neglect their responsibilities,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter. Lucido stated in the news release.
The prosecutor’s Family Division oversees felony nonsupport cases where arrears exceed $5,000, payments haven’t been made for three consecutive months, and there’s evidence that the noncustodial parent has the financial means to provide the monetary support.
Leach’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 10 for a probable cause conference.
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