Alleged deadbeat moms and dads called out on website, social media

TUCSON, AZ (KTRK) -- A campaign in Arizona is calling out alleged deadbeat dads and moms, posting photos of them on social media and on a website.

Governor Doug Ducey says 421 people are accused of owing more than $20 million in child support. He's asked the public to report those people, calling them "the worst of the worst."

Deadbeat parents have to meet certain criteria to be put on social media so the state can get the public's help tracking them down.

Watch the full story from local station KOLD in the video above.

A spokesperson for the governor says a warrant must be issued for his or her arrest, at least $5,000 will be owed in back child support, and at least six months will have passed since the suspect has paid anything.

The governor's office says one of the pictures posted on Twitter is of a man who allegedly owes more than $170,000. The spokesman says tips posted online are vetted.

Law enforcement in the state approve of the idea. Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall told local station KOLD, "(They) go to extreme lengths to hide from law enforcement, from the collectors. They use false names. They get jobs where they're paid under the table in cash so that they don't have to report any income."

LaWall says the efforts, in addition to getting deadbeat parents to pay up, could help act as a deterrent. LaWall told KOLD, "There will be people who decide, well, maybe I better pay so that my face and my mug isn't out there because it will be shameful."