One week only - amnesty for wanted child-support payment delinquents

Montgomery County officials are giving parents who are wanted by authorities for failing to make child support payments a chance to make arrangements to pay and avoid arrest.

The Sheriff's Department, Domestic Relations Office and the Court of Common Pleas will hold an amensty program from June 10, 2013 through June 14, 2013 during regular business hours.

During that week, they can avoid "arrest, prosecution and penalties by turning themselves in to the County Domestic Relations Office," according to a news release, and making arrangements to pay what they owe. Letters have been sent to delinquent parents.

"We currently have approximately 300 outstanding warrants that represent $5.7 million in back child support payments," Sheriff Eileen Behr said. "Many of these people are probably not fulfilling other responsibilities or are breaking laws to remain in hiding in an effort to avoid punishment."

The biggest delinquents are parents owing $55,000 and $44,000.

For those who remain unmotivated to take advantage of the amnesty week, Behr's department offers this warning:

Delinquent child support payors who fail to make payment arrangements will be
apprehended to the full extent of the law and could face up to six months in prison;
jeopardize professional occupational licenses; be reported to the credit bureaus;
have a lien placed on their property; have federal and state income tax refunds
intercepted; have their names, addresses and available photographs sent to area
media outlets for publication; and be referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office for
prosecution if residing outside of the Commonwealth.

Delinquent parents who want to take advantage of amnesty week can go to the Montgomery County Domestic Relations Office, One Montgomery Plaza, Swede and Airy Streets in Norristown between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.