Michigan Man Indicted for Failure to Pay Legal Child Support

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Monroe, Michigan, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Pay Legal Child Support.

Stephen J. Peterson, age 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 4, 2011, for failing to pay over $12,000 in past due child support. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 1, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is two years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and child support restitution amount owing at the time of sentencing. The charge is merely an accusation, and Peterson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant US Attorney Thomas J. Wright is prosecuting the case. Peterson was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.