LANSING, Mich., Aug. 5, 2004 Business news, legal news, law firm announcements on LAWFUEL – Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox
announced today that former Detroit Lion Horatio “Bennie” Blades, who at one
time owed $298,259 in unpaid child support, has agreed to plead guilty to a
felony for failing to pay child support.
“When non-custodial parents have money to pay child support but refuse to
do so, the writing on the wall is clear: pay up or do time,” Cox said. “Even
athletes must play by the rules and give their children the support they
deserve.”
Attorney General Cox charged Blades with felony non-support in November
2003, a charge carrying four years in jail. Blades has pled guilty to the
felony charge and the court will delay sentencing conditioned upon his
complying with all the stipulations of the plea agreement. The custodial
parent of Blades’ child in this case wishes not to disclose the terms of the
plea agreement. Should Blades meet the terms of the agreement, the arrearage
will be resolved to the satisfaction of the custodial parent, the plea will be
withdrawn and the charge will be dismissed.
Separately, Cox formed the PayKids Foundation, a nonprofit corporation
funded by corporate sponsors, to help address the epidemic of unpaid child
support in Michigan through a public awareness campaign. The PayKids
initiative includes the placement of billboards across the state and the
promotion of the PAYKIDS.COM Web site and 866-PAY-KIDS, a toll-free number to
assist those children and custodial parents who need help.
Michigan Attorney General
Web Site: http://www.michigan.gov/ag
