Arpaio's annual 'deadbeat' dad roundup under way

by Dustin Gardiner - Jun. 19, 2010 01:03 PM
The Arizona Republic

Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputies are cracking down on "deadbeat" dads this Father's Day weekend, arresting those who are delinquent on their child support payments.

During a two-day detail, dubbed "Operation Dodging Daddies," the Sheriff's Office is attempting to serve arrest warrants on 100 men and women.

As of noon Saturday, the agency had arrested 33 suspected offenders, including six women, Arpaio said. Deputies began attempting to serve the warrants Friday.

Arpaio said the operation is important because many societal problems, from juvenile delinquency to social welfare expenses, can be tied to delinquent parents.

"Mothers have to work two to three jobs, and then they don't have the luxury of supervising their kids," he said.

The Sheriff's Office has conducted "deadbeat dad" roundups every Father's Day weekend since 1998.

"With the economy, I think this is more important than the last 12 years I've done this," Arpaio said.

At least four suspects with outstanding warrants owe more than $100,000 in child support, including a man who owes nearly $175,000. Deputies have yet to catch the top offender.

Arpaio said the operation was to continue through Saturday evening.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoe ... up-ON.html