Dozens Arrested in Latest Montco Sweep of Alleged Deadbeat Parents

By Brad Segall

POTTSTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- Some Montgomery County residents got an early-morning knock on the door today, hauled out of their homes because they owe back child support payments.

Fifteen sheriff's deputies fanned out across the county at 1am, specifically targeting Pottstown, Norristown,  and Abington.  They were looking for deadbeat parents who owe thousands of dollars in child support.

A dozen men were taken into custody.  Authorities say they owe more than $140,000, collectively for 20 children.

Sheriff Russell Bono says they're pleased with the way the raids have been going.

"Their children deserve it," he told reporters today.  "The holidays are coming.  It's unconscionable that fathers would not fulfill their responsibility to support their children."

Since April, Bono says, they've tracked down more than 260 people who owe $3.4 million in back support payments.   And he says the early-morning raids have been once a month since April, but they could step that up a bit to stay one step ahead of those who owe.

In:
• KYW Newsradio 1060
• Montgomery County