Somerset Child Support Warrant Sweep Yields 37 Arrests: Sheriff

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A three-day sweep by the Somerset County Sheriff's Office yielded 37 arrests for nonpayment of child support, according to a release from the office. Those arrested owe a combined amount of nearly $1.3 million.

From May 7 to 9, 39 sheriff's and corrections officers served the arrest warrants in the mass operation. In those days, those arrested paid a total of $10,198.28 of the $1,299,859.35 owed.

Most of the arrests were completely based in Somerset County, except for two. Khaieff Cliney of Keyport was arrested on a Somerset County warrant, but that was negotiated. He was held at the Somerset County Jail on a separate Essex County child support warrant.

Tillman Wright of Franklin was arrested on a Middlesex County child support warrant, which was sent to the Somerset sheriff for enforcement.

“This operation was conducted to remind parents of the importance of making regular child support payments and hopefully renew their commitment to doing the right thing,” said Sheriff Frank Provenzano, according to the release.

“Child support is a safety net for many Somerset County families. Children depend on child support for their basic needs such as food, shelter, health care and back-to-school clothing," he said.

“The roundup was a great success as far as the statistics show,” the sheriff said. “What we don’t see is how many delinquent parents pay up once they know we are looking for them. Knowing that they face possible arrest encourages delinquent parents to uphold their obligations or face incarceration. It creates a compounding effect of payments that lasts weeks after the roundup.”

Here's the list of those arrested and what they owe: