Hundreds Arrested In New Jersey Child Support Sweep

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey authorities have arrested hundreds of parents who collectively owe more than $18.7 million in child support.

The 1,074 arrests announced Saturday by the Sheriff's Association of New Jersey were made by sheriff's officers and other law enforcement officials during a 3-day statewide sweep conducted this week.

Officials say they've collected more than $211,000 in delinquent payments so far.

The biannual sweep targets noncustodial parents who have either failed to pay child support or failed to appear at mandatory court hearings to establish child support or medical support.

They are coordinated by the state's Child Support Services office and the Sheriffs Association of New Jersey.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)