MOUNT CLEMENS, MI - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 33-year-old Ron Puriefoy, of Detroit, was arraigned on one count 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 April 24, 2023, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Rachel Rancilio ordered Puriefoy to pay child support. It is alleged that Puriefoy failed to comply with the court’s order and never made a payment toward his child support obligation. It is further alleged that he accrued a child support arrearage of $8,772.50. There has been one show cause hearing and one bench warrant issued to obtain compliance.
After determining that Puriefoy has the ability to pay, and with no enforcement options remaining or being effective, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged Puriefoy with the following:
- Failure to Pay Child Support, a felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison.
This is the maximum criminal charge available based upon the evidence presented to date.
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Puriefoy was arraigned before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in the 41-B District Court in Clinton Township, MI. Magistrate Zemke set Puriefoy’s bond at $2,193.00, cash only.
Puriefoy is scheduled for a Preliminary Exam before Judge Jacob M. Femminineo, Jr. at the 41-B District Court on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.
"Every child deserves the financial support and stability that the law requires. When child support obligations go unpaid, it is the child who bears the greatest burden. My office will continue to use every available legal tool to enforce court orders, hold noncompliant parents accountable, and ensure that children receive the resources they are entitled to. Protecting the welfare of children remains one of our highest priorities," 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 working with 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 $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