ISOLATION: Child Support 911

by Tabitha White

  “Please explain.” Jaid asked.

  “She could afford an expensive home and car on a waitressing salary. Also, she has A.I.D.S. She’d need costly medications and treatments that insurance doesn’t cover. Looking at the overall picture this led me to believe she and Craig communicated in depth for a long time and he provided her with any money she needed.” Angie said.

  “Do you think they still have something going between them?” Jaid asked.

  “Perhaps she and Craig used each other for a venting post. She needed to talk to someone about her HIV. She could tell no one else for fear the authorities would remove Alexi from the home. Craig needed someone to talk to about his precarious position with the child support.”

  “Angie you’ve earned a day off; take some time and relax and leave this up to the authorities. How’s Lance doing?” Jaid asked.

  “He’s a resilient little boy. Lance and I have rebounded after our endless skid-row experience. Not many people experience such a horrific ordeal and survive. We’re here steadfast, forging ahead toward a bright future.”

  “Would you describe your experience as cathartic?”

  “Yes, and a great bonding experience for us. Regarding the investigation, what should I expect from the police and Feds?” Angie asked.

  “Well they’ll continue with their investigation as they begin the ominous task of sifting through hundreds of leads and see if any seem plausible. They have a complex case in front of them. Besides a missing person’s case, they have tax evasion, social security fraud, aiding and abetting and nonpayment of child support. The Feds will spend considerable time in Martin and Hattie’s homes searching for evidence linking them to the alleged crimes. They’ll seize their cell phones and pull call log records. Do you have any idea where Craig may have gone, a cabin or a fishing hideaway? Did he ever do anything like this before?” Jaid asked.

  Angie’s heart began to thud in her chest. Remain calm, you’re in control here and Craig’s neutralized.

  “Since I’ve learned of his disappearance I ran many questions through my mind. I can’t think of anywhere he’d go. He’d go without the latest ticket, Brit. He’d view her as ancillary, but not Mika. He’d never leave that beast.”

  “Okay just searching for leads.” Jaid said.

  I’ve dodged another bullet.

  Chapter 44

  “Hi Chase, have you had any success with the latest bail bond?” Jaid asked.

  “No, this guy sports a mean disappearing act.” Chase said.

  “How about your case with Brit? Have you come across any new leads?”

  “She provided me with an interesting bill of lading between Craig and a John Loughner for numerous automobile purchases. Mr. Loughner owns multiple automotive dealerships and remains a primary suspect in his wife’s death from a few years back.” Chase said.

  “That name sounds familiar. Look into this John Loughner and let me know what you find. Have the police questioned him yet?”

  “Seems he’s as elusive as our latest skip. The police went to his dealerships however his employees haven’t seen him for days.”

  “Keep following that lead and see if anything turns up. I wonder when the police will finish with the bike. My client wants to auction it. She needs the money to redeem her home.” Jaid said.

  “I’ve worked on difficult missing persons cases in the past but this one’s full of dead end leads. Usually, an alliance breaks down and leads pour forth. Not here, Craig’s alliance lies in Mika and she’s not talking. Brit remains the last person to see Craig alive. You and I both know that’s typically the person who did it. I can’t make heads or tails of her though. They called her in for a second set of questioning and there’s still no word on Martin or Hattie.”

  “They’re questioning her again today?” Jaid asked.

  “Yes.” Chase said.

  “I wonder what theory they’re following about her involvement with his disappearance. What would motivate her; do you think it’s the money? Her solitary means of access to the money is through Craig.” Jaid said.

  “Perhaps. Follow my lead here; what if; prior to the custody hearing Craig had Hattie withdraw a large sum and sent it by Western Union somewhere safe where he’d have easy access without going through Martin. If Brit knew about this, neutralizing Craig would give her complete access to this money stash and she’d have it all to herself. That’s motive. Perhaps that’s why Brit roosted so long. The two seem like a square peg and round hole. Did you know she has a record?”

  “No what charges?” Jaid asked.

  “Blackmail and auto theft at the age of eighteen. Putting her name in the skip trace program caused my screen to appear as the face of a pubescent teenager. I’ve not visited as many states as she’s lived in. After I spoke with her I surmised she’s more of a follower and Craig made all difficult decisions for her.”

  “What do you think she’ll do with him gone?” Jaid asked.

  “I bet she’ll wait for him as long as her purse strings hold out then find someone else to latch onto.” Chase said.

  “It’s sad to see people choosing not to make decisions in their life.”

  “We need more leaders and fewer followers.” Chase said.

  “I’m due in court.” Jaid said.

  “See you later Jaid. I’ll let you know if I anything develops.”

  “Thanks, and Chase don’t forget to let me know what you uncover with this John Loughner.” Jaid said.

  “Okay.”

  Chapter 4 5

  “I need you to hold my calls this morning. I’ll also need you to cancel my 10:30 appointment.”

  “What’s going on Jaid?” Sam asked.

  “Do you see the officer walking up to the door? He’s my appointment. The police want to speak with me. I also need Craig’s file copied; they’re requesting a copy.”

  “I’ll have it ready in five minutes.” Sam said.

  Damn. Not the police, my nerves can’t take this!

  “Thank you Sam. I must say I’m a bit nervous. Not that I’ve done anything wrong however I’ve never enjoyed pointed questions asked of me while under suspicion. How easy I forget that my clients go through this each time in court. I suppose that occasionally having the tables turned does lend perspective.”

  “Good morning, Officer Phil Kyler to see Jaid Wood.”

  “Good morning Officer Kyler. I’m Jaid Wood. Let’s go into my office. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

  “No thanks. I’m fine. Please call me Phil.”

  “Right this way, Phil.”

  A gentle swoosh of the wind, caused by the closing door, sounded and following that chain reaction a discussion began that would forever change the landscape of the child support system.

  “May I call you Jaid?”

  “Yes, please do.” Jaid said.

  “Jaid, let’s get right to the facts. Child support offices, Judge Hall and Craig Freeman’s missing status remain the focal point of the media. The enormous amount of arrears he owes has given our jurisdiction and Judge Hall a bad name. Not to mention I’m feeling the pressure from Judge Hall as elections occur this November. Judge Hall has made it clear that I’m to remedy this situation. Hell, off the record Jaid, we’re beginning to see droves of parents picketing outside many courthouses across the state. Their chanting outside the courthouse continues to unravel the judge’s nerves and he’s demanding a solution.”

  “How does this involve me?” Jaid asked.

  “You employ the best private investigator in the country. Has he found anything?”

  “Can I give you some advice for the child support system in Michigan?”

  “Yes, what?”

  “If you want to appease the parents picketing for justice, hire a lobbyist who will see to it that significant changes occur in the child support system as a whole. For starters, set the trigger point at $1,000 for failure to pay and concurrently issue a bench warrant. Here’s a pen and paper you may want to write these down
.” Jaid said tossing a pen and notepad to the officer.

  “Pull their driver’s license and any professional licenses when arrears reach $1,000. Impose automatic interceptors for tax returns and garnishment once arrears reach $1,000. Finally, make it a stipulation of every child support order that each noncustodial parent carry life insurance on themselves when they owe child support.”

  “How’d you come up with these ideas?” asked the officer in a shaggy voice.

  “My clients. Many groups exist for victim’s rights. However, there are no groups promoting fair and equitable treatment in child support enforcement. Do you know that Craig’s ex-wife, Angelina wrote letters to Judge Hall showing Craig received a lump sum inheritance? Judge Hall did nothing. My client also wrote letters to the referee in their case stating that Craig worked under the table on two different social security numbers. Judge Hall did nothing about it. Their injustice represents the inadequate system that I’m determined to change!”

  “Now your pro-bono representation makes sense.”

  “You’re damn right I’m representing her pro-bono! Craig had me believing that she’d acted as an unfit mother. He mailed her copies for a custody rights hearing to an address she’d already moved from. Angie and her son, thanks to Craig’s negligence, lived in their car. His plan was to obtain full custody. That way he’d avoid paying the $50,000 he owed in arrears. Afterwards he planned to have Angie sign off on the arrears, and then he’d turn their son over to Angie. Lately people compare Craig to J.R. on Dallas.” Jaid said.

  “I’m aware of the anger in the streets, that’s why I’m here. Down at the station death threats from angry citizens continue to come in. Slurs identify their anger; support the cause, and strengthen the laws. They want justice for parent’s owed support. However, the rioting, reminiscent of the Civil Rights Movement during the 60’s in Detroit, presents problems. Judge Hall wants this remedied. You have a keen sense of persuasion. The judge sent me to ask you to appease the rioting throngs of angry parents demanding change.”

  “I’ll make you a deal. You get me a meeting with the best Washington lobbyist and I’ll see what I can do to calm the parents down.”

  “It’s a deal. Give me a minute to make one phone call. If you’re available for lunch with a lobbyist today we can set the train in motion.”

  “I’ll leave you alone to make that call. Oh by the way, we’ll have lunch at Mc Minnimons, compliments of the Judge.” Jaid said.

  Jaid initiated a firm handshake with the officer before leaving the room as satisfaction overpowered anger. Jaid felt the power rested within her to make a difference where it counted most. Powerful influence she had prompted her to stand taller as she left the officer to his phone call and approached Sam.

  “Hi Jaid what do you need? Where’s the officer?” asked Sam.

  “He’s arranging a meet and greet for me and a lobbyist today.”

  “Why’s he doing that?”

  “Rioting parents, threats to the court, and perhaps Judge Hall, have urged change. Change that’s well overdue. My first law professor spoke words of wisdom I’ll never forget. She said, ‘The power remains with the people.’ Noncustodial parents have skated around these issues for far too long. It’s time for an uprising within the people so real change can occur. Lenient child support laws produce negligible results evidenced by the angry mobs picketing outside courthouses across the country. The time for change has arrived right here, right now.”

  “Interesting.” Sam said folding his arms across his chest.

  “The rioting parents set a fire under Judge Hall and prompted him to send over his blue shirt to engage me to obtain results for him.”

  “How interesting, you make a good point.”

  “My lunch plans await.”

  “I will clear your schedule through 2:00 P.M.”

  Jaid stood tall walking down the hall hoping her lunch would occur with a serious lobbyist.

  “Did you speak with your lobbyist?” Jaid asked Phil.

  “Yes, you have a lunch reservation at Mc Minnimons in twenty minutes with Senator Schroeder.”

  “Wow! You jumped right over the lobbyist and went to the big guns; lunch with the Senator. Judge Hall’s re-election campaign names trump; impressive.” Jaid said.

  These parents have ruffled the right feathers.

  “Yes, I believe the judge has set his sights on re-election. Mission accomplished, have a great lunch and I will get back with you tomorrow. Say, if you’re not busy for dinner tomorrow could we meet and go over the results of your meeting with the Senator.”

  “Phil, are you asking me on a date?”

  “Well it’s a work related meeting. Do you want to call it a date?”

  “I can’t remember the last time I went on a date. You and I on a date; dinner, tomorrow; wonderful. Where and when do you want to meet for our date?” Jaid said amid rigid nerves.

  “Vitale’s Italian Bistro, 7:00 P.M.” Phil said.

  “That sounds great. I’ll meet you there at seven.”

  “Jaid, over dinner I’d like to discuss the social security theft ring operating here. Please bring any information in Craig’s file with you. I’m assigned to that task force.” Phil said.

  A smile overtook Jaid’s mouth as her eyes examined Phil’s muscular physique. Stumbling over her own words she said, “Ah, tomorrow over dinner, okay.”

  Chapter 4 6

  “Senator Schroeder, I’m pleased to meet you, I’m Jaid Wood.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you. Thank you for meeting with me. It’s an honor to share lunch with a legendary attorney such as you.”

  “Well thank you; we share a mutual respect for one another. I’m a big fan of your political ideology and proposed legislative initiatives on tougher drunk driving laws. I’m happy to lend support in any way I can for that cause.”

  “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind and may take you up on your offer. Today, we’re here because Judge Hall doesn’t want this to turn into Detroit of the 60’s. Judge Hall has confidence in you to keep this from becoming an incident where we’ve lost all control.”

  “Seeds of judiciary influence, planted during my formative years contributed to me becoming an attorney. As an impressionable girl I decided I wanted to help change people’s lives for the better.”

  “What made you decide on a career as an attorney over a police officer?” asked Senator Schroeder.

  “As an attorney I’m more of an advocate as a blue I’m an enforcer. As a child, my father persuaded the police to arrest my brother. He had a whole squad after him; and a duet of advocates; my mother and I. I’ll take the advocacy road any day over the enforcer.”

  “Shall we get right down to the nuts and bolts of the problem?”

  “Sure.”

  “Significant change needs to occur in the child support system.” Jaid said.

  “Such as?” Senator Schroeder said drawing out the s in as like an opera singer holds the last note.

  “Arrears reaching $1,000 should trigger a chain of events. Verification of social security cards and drivers licenses need to occur through the issuing agency, mere copies not acceptable. Fingerprints input into the national database with the FBI will speak volumes to absconders.”

  “So in essence, you want to see an expanded system mandated by the federal government.” said Senator Schroeder.

  “That’s right. Federal laws mandate criminals, so why a double standard for child support. Putting the same faith in a federal system for child support speaks volumes about our greatest asset; children.” Jaid said.

  Continuing as if in a free fall Angie said, “Many valuable changes implemented will change the current negative view parents have of the judicial system. I can have Sam prepare a brief for you if you’d like?”

  “I would appreciate that, thank you. Would you have any interest in acting as a liaison to the social security fraud task force we’ve just set up?” Senator Schroeder said.

  Jaid fumbled w
ith her water glass as an uncontrollable bounce overtook her knee.

  “Currently, I have a couple high-profile cases I need to devote my attention to.” Jaid said.

  “Okay I understand, perhaps later. On a different note, your former client Craig served as the catalyst that helped transform change within our government. He did this through his actions and inactions. Have they found him yet?”

  “No they’ve not found him yet.”

  “The case has the necessary elements of a Hollywood movie; greed, embezzlement, and illicit sexual behavior. Realizing it’s the impetus behind changes in family law, child support specifically is amazing. Now that’s Hollywood; and it would warrant rave reviews!” Senator Schroeder added.

  “As they say expect the unexpected.” Jaid said.

  “Any additional thoughts on changes?”

  “Other changes include all license privileges revoked at the $1,000 arrears trigger point. Courts can collect support for custodial parents by seizing and auctioning vehicles. Also they can implement wage garnishments and tax interceptors from non-custodial parents. Currently, it’s the duty of the custodial parent to watch for improprieties; this needs to change. Calling the child services office now takes about forty five minutes each time, let the noncustodial parent deal with this if problems exist on their case.” Jaid said taking a breath.

  “That makes sense. Why punish the custodial parent with sitting on hold if the case concerns the financials of the noncustodial parent. Failure to pay with a trigger point of $1,000 and a chain of events would eliminate many phone calls.” Senator Schroeder said.

  “An expanded system mandated by the federal government will cut court dates. In conclusion, and most important, require all noncustodial parents to keep a life insurance policy. Real change will occur with a life insurance policy listing the child as the beneficiary. The custodial parent will act as the child’s conservator and will have typical conservator fiduciary duties. In example, when a non-custodial parent owes $1,000 arrears the minimum amount owing would automatically deposit into the custodial parents account. At the $1,000 trigger, the noncustodial parent must open an account with one bank all absconders must use. All money earned, wages, trust funds, income tax refunds etc. will transfer by direct deposit to this singular account. They will certify expenses for the court. This stops a payer from claiming they don’t work. If they pay rent, as seen through this account, they receive money from somewhere and will have to provide answers. If money isn’t funneled through this account, they’re held in contempt and subject to penalties. Few people fail to pay income taxes because of strict penalties; the same concept applies here.” Jaid said.