SUNBURY - Northumberland County Court Administrator Brandy Yasenchak reported $1,084,353.44 in child support is owed by 160 defendants who are wanted by the county domestic relations office on outstanding bench warrants.
Yasenchak released the amount owed in child support in connection with a press release issued Monday from the domestic relations office announcing an amnesty period for defendants wanting to avoid arrest and/or jail time that will be held from March 19 to 30. The amnesty will not forgive the debt.
To take advantage of the amnesty, clients must visit the domestic relations office at 320 N. Second St., Sunbury, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., or 1 to 3:30 p.m. to meet with the domestic relations enforcement officer. Defendants must provide the officer with any current employment information and a current address. They also must make a good faith payment on arrears and set up a payment plan for the support obligation and any remaining arrears. The payment arrangements will provide for the children and avoid further enforcement proceedings.
The domestic relations office will not pursue arrests during this period. Defendants, however, may be arrested on any other warrant that may be outstanding for other violations.
At the end of the amnesty period, Northumberland County Sheriff Chad Reiner and his staff will seek the arrest of all defendants with warrants. Bench warrants will continue to be issued for those who do not comply with domestic relations policies and procedures.