Madison Heights man arraigned on felony charge of failure to pay child support, allegedly owes over $12K

Mount Clemens, Mich. - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 38-year-old David Knight, of Madison Heights, Michigan, 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 January 13, 2020, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew S. Switalski ordered Knight to pay child support. It is alleged that Knight failed to comply with the court’s orders and accrued a child support arrearage of $12,441.69. It is further alleged that the last payment made was in December 2025. There has been one show cause hearing and one bench warrant issued to obtain compliance. 

After determining that Knight has the ability to pay, and with no enforcement options remaining or being effective, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged Knight 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 Thursday, July 30, 2026, Knight was arraigned before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in the 41-B District Court in Clinton Township, Michigan. Magistrate Zemke set Knight’s bond at $3,110.00, cash only. 

Knight is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference before Judge Sebastian Lucido at the 41-B District Court on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

“Children should not bear the consequences when a parent refuses to fulfill a court-ordered support obligation. My office will continue to enforce these orders, hold offenders accountable, and work to ensure that children receive the support to which they are entitled,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido invites you to participate in a Child Support Telephone Town Hall: What Both Parents Need to Know, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Prosecutor Lucido and Kymberly Shinneman, Chief of the Family Division, will provide helpful information on how to start a child support case, collect unpaid support, and get back on track with your obligations.

Participants are welcome to ask questions during the call or simply listen. The Town Hall will last approximately 60-90 minutes.

Sign up here to ensure you receive a call. https://forms.macombgov.org/261685378621971

By registering, you will receive a phone call for the Town Hall. Simply answer your phone. Calls will start going out approximately 15 minutes before the event.

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 collected over $5 million for children from delinquent parents.

For help 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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