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Bill Would Put 'Deadbeats' To Work

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By MARK DOUGLAS

mdouglas@wfla.com

Published: January 17, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Fathers who fail to pay child support would do a weeklong work detail wearing a shirt, overalls or vest that reads "Deadbeat Dad" if state lawmakers pass a bill being introduced by Sen. Mike Fasano.

The New Port Richey Republican said he's sick of hearing the heartbreaking stories of mothers and children who suffer because they don't get the support ordered by a court.

The punishment, meant to shame the offenders, would kick in after a third court appearance for failure to pay, Fasano aide Greg Giordano said in e-mail.

Most parents who owe child support in Florida are men. Fasano's office did not respond to a question about how the bill would apply to deadbeat mothers.

The bill was drafted after Fasano learned about the case of David William Earley of New Port Richey, a deadbeat dad wanted on felony charges for failing to pay $165,000 in child support to his ex-wife and four children.
News Channel 8 tracked Earley down and reported this week about his new life with a new family and his ex-wife's failed 19-year attempt to make him pay up.

The story noted that a state list of deadbeat parent cases has grown to 792,000, involving more than 1 million children. That's more than a quarter of Florida's under-18 population.

At the request of probation officials, a new warrant was issued for Earley's arrest. The warrant would require that he be held without bond until he appears before Circuit Court Judge Frank Quesada.

The previous warrant would have allowed his release on his own recognizance.

Mark Douglas can be reached at (727) 536-9603.

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