Macomb Prosecutor thanks Judges, County Commissioners, Michigan Works for support of proposed Child Support Specialty Court

MOUNT CLEMENS, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido thanked Circuit Court Chief Judge James M. Biernat, Jr., Chief Judge Pro Tempore Rachel Rancilio, Family Court Chief Judge Matthew S. Switalski, Judge Terri Lynn Dennings, and Judge Tracey A. Yokich after meeting with them to pitch his proposal for Michigan’s first Child Support Specialty Court on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Also in attendance were Macomb County Board of Commissioner’s Chair Joe Sabatini and Vice-Chair Harold Haugh, Friend of the Court Administrator Brian Nichols, Friend of the Court Enforcement Division Director Laura Keeth, Court Services Director Christina Wohlfield, Court Administrator Julie Bovenschen, and Executive Director of Michigan Works Workforce Development Board Justin Al-Igoe. 

In addition to Prosecutor Lucido, Cooperative Reimbursement Unit (CRU) Chief Kym Shinneman, CRU Deputy Chief Jevona Fudge, and CRU Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeremy Fisher were on hand, as well as Investigators Chris O’Branovic and Laura Manzella. 

“I am grateful to Chief Judge Biernat, and the other members of the Circuit Court for their support,” Lucido said. “Their commitment is essential to building a program that enforces the law while giving families the stability they need. We’re especially appreciative of those who will be part of our Advisory Board. Those advisors will take part in shaping the court’s structure and day-to-day operations.”

The Advisory Board is in the formation stage. Current members are CRU Deputy Chief Jevona Fudge, CRU Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeremy Fisher, Macomb County Sheriff Anthony M. Wickersham, and Executive Director of the Macomb Workforce Development Board of Michigan Works Justin Al-Igoe. The Child Support Specialty Court Judge is undetermined at this time but anticipated to be a member. Others invited will be designees from the Public Defender’s Office, Friend of the Court, Probation Department, Board of Commissioners, and Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

“I am very appreciative of the support of Macomb County Board of Commissioner’s Chair Joe Sabatini and Vice-Chair Harold Haugh. Their consistent support has made it possible for our office to collect millions of dollars in back child support owed to children in Macomb County,” stated Lucido. 

Lucido also recognized Justin Al-Igoe of Michigan Works for taking part in the discussion. “We appreciate Michigan Works for stepping up as partners,” Lucido said. “They will connect parents to job training and employment so they can support their children. A paycheck is one of the strongest tools for family values.”

The specialty court would give eligible parents who plead guilty the chance to defer sentencing while they make payments and participate in court-supervised programs such as job placement and career building skills. Successful participants could avoid a felony conviction while ensuring children receive the support they are owed.

After launching the Advisory Board, Lucido said the next step is to prepare for the launch of the Specialty Court and begin accepting the first participants. At the same time, his office is working with state legislators on a measure to allow deferred convictions to extend beyond the current one-year limit. That change would let courts maintain jurisdiction over cases for a longer period of time, giving parents with large arrearages the time to repay what they owe, while still accessing support services. This approach would allow a parent to comply with the law by making the required child support payments and, if successful, avoid a felony conviction.

“This court is about accountability and opportunity,” Lucido said. “By helping parents re-enter the workforce, stay accountable for payments, and access services, we give children the resources they deserve and reduce the long-term burden on taxpayers.”

The plan builds on earlier enforcement initiatives, including a 2022 program Lucido launched to target parents who owed more than $5,000, had missed at least three consecutive payments, and had the means to pay. That effort by the CRU has secured more than $3.3 million for Macomb children.

Lucido said the pilot Child Support Specialty Court will expand on that compliance-first approach by providing long-term solutions for families while using existing resources and seeking additional state and federal support.

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