Sweep nets alleged deadbeat dads

Five individuals were arrested this week in Union and Baker counties on outstanding Union County warrants charging failure to pay child support.

The Union County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday that the five men were taken into custody as part of a coordinated statewide sweep. Parents allegedly delinquent in child support payments were targeted, with a total of 21 arrested.

“Union County had by far the highest success rate of any other county involved in the sweep, as it accounted for nearly a quarter of all the arrests statewide,” said Union County District Attorney Tim Thompson.

The men owed back child support ranging from $10,200 to $31,600, according to the district attorney’s office.

The statewide sweep targeted parents who were able but unwilling to pay court-ordered child support, according to a press release issued Thursday by Oregon Attorney General John Kroger. “Being a single parent is the toughest job in the world,” Kroger said. “This sweep sends a strong message. Parents must take responsibility for their kids.”

Kroger added that he appreciates efforts by the various law enforcement agencies involved.

The 21 parents arrested across the state owed $531,000 in delinquent child support, according to Kroger.

He said most child support payments are made willingly by parents. Oregon’s Child Support Program collected