Deadbeat Parents Targeted by Lexington Authorities

During the first three quarters of 2011, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department fugitive investigators arrested 56 dead-beat parents who were wanted on family court bench warrants that were issued after the persons habitually failed to comply with court orders to make child support payments in Lexington County.

Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts and Lexington County Clerk of Court Beth Carrigg said the 56 habitual offenders owe a combined total of $1.5 million in court-ordered child support payments in Lexington County.

“The enforcement of court orders in child support cases reflects our agency’s mission of providing professional law enforcement services that enhance the quality of life for all people in Lexington County,” Metts said. “The failure of non-custodial parents to financially support their children creates serious quality of life issues for children.”

Carrigg has worked in partnership with Metts to identify habitual offenders who have eluded law enforcement and repeatedly refused to make court-ordered child support payments.

“Sheriff Metts and I are more dedicated than ever in today’s tough economic times to obtain financial support for children and parents who have custody of children,” Carrigg said.

“Dead-beat parents will not be tolerated in Lexington County, and we will use every legal means available to provide children and parents who have custody of children with the financial support that they deserve and need,” she added.

Non-custodial parents who owe court-ordered child support payments in Lexington County can make arrangements to resolve family court bench warrants that have been issued for their arrests by calling the Clerk of Court’s Office at (803) 785-1196, Carrigg said.

Non-custodial parents who are wanted on family court bench warrants also can surrender at the Lexington County James R. Metts Law Enforcement Complex, 521 Gibson Road, Lexington, Metts said.