MOUNT CLEMENS, MI - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 45-year-old Vincent Mistretta, of Clinton Township, was arraigned on a charge of failing to pay child support after finding that he had the ability to pay and all efforts to work with him on payment options were exhausted.
On March 10, 2024, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Kathryn A. Viviano ordered Mistretta to pay child support. Mistretta allegedly failed to comply with the court’s order and accrued a child support arrearage of $16,076.30. It is further alleged that the last payment made was in February 2025. There have been four show cause hearings, and two bench warrants issued to obtain compliance.
After determining that Mistretta has the ability to pay, and with no enforcement options remaining or being effective, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged Mistretta with failure to pay child support, a felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison. Mistretta is also charged with Habitual Offender, Second Offense Notice, which is an aggravating sentencing factor.
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Mistretta was arraigned in the 41B District Court in Clinton Township before Magistrate Ryan Zemke, who set bond at $4,019.00, cash only. A Probable Cause Conference is set for Monday, August 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. before 41B District Court Judge Jacob M. Femminineo.
“Providing for a child is not optional; it is a fundamental legal and moral obligation. When a parent fails to meet that responsibility, the harm reaches beyond legal proceedings and affects a child’s well-being, stability, and opportunity to thrive. Every child has the right to dependable financial support and the security that comes with it. Our office will continue to hold individuals accountable when they ignore this duty, because protecting the interests of children remains a top priority and the law will be enforced accordingly,” said Peter J. Lucido.
Prosecutor Lucido proposed the creation of a Child Support Specialty Court, a pilot program aimed at helping parents behind on child support payments find work, pay arrears and avoid felony convictions. “Our goal is simple: get children the support they’re owed while addressing the barriers that keep parents from paying,” Lucido said. The pilot court has launched and is already working with some individuals as they seek acceptance into the program.
Under Lucido’s direction, the office has focused on securing compliance rather than simply filing charges. The Family Division of the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office oversees felony nonsupport cases where arrears exceed $5,000, payments have not been made for three consecutive months, and there is evidence that the noncustodial parent has the financial means to pay. Since 2022, the division successfully collected over $4.5 million for children from delinquent parents.
For assistance with starting a child support case, contact the Office of Child Support at (866) 540-0008.
For cases involving arrears of $5,000 or more, reach out to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Family Division at (586) 493-4488. Please note: the Prosecutor’s Office can only speak directly with the person who owes or is owed child support.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macomb County Prosecutor's Office
Contact: Esther E. Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
