Nine arrested in Montco child-support sweep; more sought

Nine people were arrested for allegedly failing to pay child support during an early morning sweep in Montgomery County.

The defendants – eight men and one woman – were accused of skipping out on a total of $66,382 in child support for nine kids.

Deputies and K-9 units combed through Abington, Norristown, Horsham, Spring City, Royersford, and Pottstown early Wednesday, searching for about 30 suspects, according to a news release from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

"One of the defendants was found with an ounce of marijuana and five prescription pills," Sheriff Russell Bono said in a statement. "We also had to force entry on a defendant with a probation violation, and one who was hiding in an attic."

Authorities did not disclose the identities of those taken into custody.

Five additional suspects, who remained at large Wednesday, were placed on the sheriff's "Most Wanted" list for allegedly failing to pay child support.

They were identified as: Azani Bank, of Norristown, who allegedly owed $15,995 for five children; James S. Parker, of Trappe, who allegedly owed $10,792 for one child; Arron C. Duckett, of Glenside, who allegedly owed $13,311; Stetson Maurice Zeigler, of Collegeville, who allegedly owed $3,667; and James D. Garner, of Pottstown, who allegedly owed $22,311 for one child.

The county sheriff's office has since January arrested 300 parents accused of owing a total of $4 million in child support, and raids will continue "on a regular basis," Warrants Division Sergeant Joanne Plasterer said Wednesday in a statement.

"If you don't want to see your picture on our website or on the news, just turn yourselves in," she said.

Those with information were advised to call the sheriff's office's tip line at 610-278-3340.