Southfield father arraigned on Failure to Pay Child Support charge, allegedly owes over $16,000

Mount Clemens, Mich. - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 36-year-old Calvin Johnson, of Southfield, Mich., 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 July 24, 2017, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Mark S. Switalski ordered Johnson to pay child support. It is alleged that Johnson failed to comply with the court’s orders and accrued a child support arrearage of $16,225.14. It is further alleged that the last payment made was in March 2026. There have been five show cause hearings and four bench warrants issued to obtain compliance. 

After determining that Johnson has the ability to pay, and with no enforcement options remaining or being effective, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged Johnson 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 Monday, July 20, 2026, Johnson was arraigned before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in the 41-B District Court in Clinton Township, MI. Magistrate Zemke set Johnson’s bond at $3,606.00, cash only. The bond amount was based on the amount of arrearage on the date the warrant was signed in September of 2024.

Johnson is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference before Judge Jacob Femminineo, Jr. at the 41-B District Court on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

“Children deserve the financial support the courts have ordered for their care. When a parent refuses to meet that obligation, my office will take appropriate action to enforce the law, promote accountability, and protect the well-being of Macomb County’s children,” 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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