MOUNT CLEMENS, MI - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 41-year-old Norman Wafford, of Detroit, 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 May 21, 2020, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Tracey A. Yokich ordered Wafford to pay child support. Wafford allegedly failed to comply with the court’s order and accrued a child support arrearage of $16,999.05. There has been one show cause hearing, and one bench warrant issued to attain compliance.
After determining that Wafford has the ability to pay, and with no enforcement options remaining or being effective, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged Wafford with failure to pay child support, a felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Wafford was arraigned in the 41B District Court in Clinton Township before Magistrate Ryan Zemke, who set bond at $4,249, cash only. A Probable Cause Conference is set for Monday, April 13, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before 41B District Court Judge Jacob Femminineo, Jr.
“In Macomb County, our priority is making sure every child is heard and receives the support they need. We work to help parents meet their responsibilities and encourage cooperation, turning to legal measures only after all other avenues have been fully pursued,” said Macomb County Prosecutor 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
