FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 1995 DEAD-BEAT DAD PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT The Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, announced that Lawrence Sargus, 45, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced on August 7, 1995, after pleading guilty on July 13, 1995, to a charge of willfully failing to pay his child support obligation. The federal "deadbeat" statute, 18 usc 228, which became effective in October 1992, was enacted as part of the Child Support Recovery Act of 1992. The charge carries a maximum penalty for a first offense of up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. Restitution for past due support is also required. Sargus is an accountant and bookkeeper. He was charged with the willful failure to pay child support as ordered by the court of common pleas for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in a one count criminal information filed on July 7, 1995. Sargus had been held in contempt of court on numerous occasions between 1987 and 1994, for failure to pay his required support obligation. Warrants issued in pennsylvania for his arrest were ignored by sargus, who eluded service while living in Ohio. Sargus was given a six month jail term which was suspended on certain terms and conditions. He is required to settle accounts for past due support in Pennsylvania for $16,412.00, And will be required to maintain his current support obligation until his youngest child reaches the age of 18. Sargus was additionally ordered to complete 50 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay a $10.00 special monetary assessment to the court. This case was prosecuted by M. Craig Wolf, trial attorney for the child exploitation and obscenity section of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division. #### 95-450