St. Clair Shores mother arraigned on Failure to Pay Child Support charge

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 47-year-old Jennifer Clark, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, was arraigned on one count of failing to pay child support after finding that she had the ability to pay and all efforts to work with her on payment options were exhausted.

On April 17, 2019, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew S. Switalski ordered Clark to pay child support. It is alleged that Clark failed to comply with the court’s order. It is further alleged that she accrued a child support arrearage of $12,772.20 with the last payment made in May 2025. There have been two show cause hearings and one bench warrant issued to obtain compliance. 

After determining that Clark has the ability to pay, and with no enforcement options remaining or being effective, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged Clark with the following:

• Failure to Pay Child Support, a felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison
• Habitual Offender, Fourth Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor. 

These are the maximum criminal charges available based upon the evidence presented to date.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Clark was arraigned before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in the 41-B District Court in Clinton Township, MI. Magistrate Zemke set Clark’s bond at $3,193.00, cash only. 

Clark is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference before Judge Sebastian Lucido at the 41-B District Court on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

“Every child deserves the support and stability that court-ordered child support is intended to provide. When parents fail to meet their obligations, children are the ones who suffer the consequences. My office will continue to pursue every legal avenue available to enforce court orders, hold those who fail to comply accountable, and protect the resources children need to thrive,” said Peter J. Lucido.

If you have concerns about child support, join the Child Support Telephone Town Hall: What Both Parents Need to Know on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Get more information and sign up here: https://www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office/telephone-town-halls-are-coming-soon-sign-now.

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 successfully collected nearly $5.4 million for children from delinquent parents.

For assistance with 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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