Mount Clemens, MI - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Joel Powers, a 24-year-old Detroit man, was arraigned on a charge of failing to pay child support after allegedly accruing an arrearage of nearly $9,000.
On January 9, 2023, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Tracey A. Yokich ordered Powers to pay child support. It is alleged that Williams never made a payment and owes back child support in the amount of $8,976. He has had two Show Cause Hearings and one prior Bench Warrant.
After exhausting all enforcement options and determining Powers has the ability to pay, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged Powers with failure to pay child support, a felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to four (4) years in prison.
This is the maximum charge available under the law based on the evidence to date.
On Monday, July 28, 2025, Powers was arraigned in the 41B District Court in Clinton Township before Magistrate Ryan Zemke, who set bond at $2,244.00, cash only. A Probable Cause Conference is set for Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 1:00 pm before 41B District Court Judge Carrie Fuca.
“As we recognize Child Support Awareness Month across Michigan, it is important to remember that child support is not just a legal obligation—it is a moral one. Children rely on this support for their basic needs: food, clothing, shelter, education, and healthcare.
“Today, our office is moving forward with felony charges against an individual who has allegedly not made a single child support payment. The total arrears have reached a level that meets the threshold for felony non-support under Michigan law.
“We do not take these actions lightly. Our goal is not simply punishment—it is accountability. We are committed to ensuring that every child in our community receives the support they deserve, and that every parent fulfills their responsibility,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
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. The division’s primary goal is to secure financial support for children while ensuring that justice is served.
For assistance with child support cases, contact the Office of Child Support at (866) 540-0008. For cases involving arrears of $5000 or more, reach out to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Family Division at (586) 493-4488.
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 Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
