MOUNT CLEMENS, MI - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 52-year-old Robert Staelgraeve, of Shelby Township, 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 June 9, 2014, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew S. Switalski ordered Staelgraeve to pay child support. The Court modified the order one time. It is alleged that Staelgraeve failed to comply with the court’s orders and accrued $29,467 in owed child support. There have been four Show Cause Hearings and one bench warrant was issued.
After determining that he has the ability to pay and with no enforcement options remaining, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged Staelgraeve with failure to pay child support, a felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison.
On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Staelgraeve was arraigned before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in the 41B District Court in Clinton Township, who set bond at $7,336.00, cash only. A Probable Cause Conference will be held before Judge Carrie Lynn Fuca at the 41B District Court on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
“When individuals fail to follow child support orders, they undermine the well-being of their children. Compliance is not optional; it is a legal obligation, and our office will continue to enforce these orders to protect and assist those who depend on them,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
A Child Support Specialty Court is operating in the Macomb County Circuit Court. This pilot program is 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.
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 $4.2 million for children from delinquent parents.
For assistance with starting a Macomb County child support case, contact the Office of Child Support at (866) 540-0008.
For Macomb County cases involving arrears of $5000 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 individuals who 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
