Utahn Michael Madigan Tracy has joined this year's list of worst child-support evaders, released by the National Council of State Child Support Enforcement Administrators. The list is designed to increase awareness of the problems of unpaid child support. According to the Utah Office of Recovery Services, Madigan owes $20,640 in back support for his children, ages 11 and 12.
Madigan is not No. 1 in Utah from the standpoint of money owed but was picked for the list because his case meets the requirements. Topping the national list is Roger Ernest Dunbar, California, who owes $339,900. Lemuel Hawsey, Louisiana, was second with $123,200."In Utah, there are approximately 31,000 people involved with Recovery Services for not making regular support payments. Many women and children live in poverty because they don't receive the support they are owed," John Abbott, director of the Utah Office of Recovery Services said.
Last year, the national most-wanted list located eight of the 10 men listed. "Last year's No. 1 on the list was located in Utah, although he fled to Arizona and is now in jail for non-payment," Abbott said. "Jail is the last option we would utilize for people who don't pay their child support. Putting someone in jail is not going to change the quality of life of their children and, obviously, someone in jail is not going to be able to make payments."
People on the list represent a wide variety of families from all economic and social backgrounds who are going without court-ordered child support. Anyone who recognizes the delinquent payor is asked to contact the child support office, 538-4402.