Philadelphia To Court Deadbeats: 'Show Me The Money!'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Hundreds of thousands of deadbeats who owe hundreds of millions of dollars are now in the crosshairs of a new crackdown being launched this week by Philadelphia Courts.
Some 400,000 court deadbeats owe the First Judicial District in Philadelphia an estimated $1.5 billion for things like forfeited bail, courts fines and costs and restitution. Some of the money owed dates back decades.
David Wasson, chief deputy administrator, says most of those who owe will get reasonable terms.
"We're willing to put mostly everyone on $35-a-month payment plans until they pay off their balance. So, we're not asking really a lot," Wasson said. "We're just asking the defendants to get back in contact with us, let us know their address and get back on a monthly payment schedule."
However, those who don't get on payment plans will face a collection agency first, with new penalties assessed. If that doesn't work, attorneys will move in to seize assets.
If you want to contact the courts to pay, call 215-683-1482 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., or pay online at courts.phila.gov.
Reported by Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio
