Here are the 10 worst deadbeat dads in Suffolk County — and what the sheriff wants for Mother's Day
The men plastered to the 'Wall of Shame' collectively owe their baby mothers nearly $1.5 million, with one alleged deadbeat — Gustave Schotker of Farmingdale — dodging $420,000 in child support by himself, officials said.
'We are talking about thousands of dollars that could have gone to food, clothing, doctor's appointments, or school supplies for the children — not just children, but their children,' Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. told reporters outside of Yaphank Correctional Facility.
Officials said the timing of the unveiling days before Mother's Day on Sunday was meant to send a message to the men dodging their responsibilities — and to the women forced to carry the load of raising their children alone.
'A lot of times, a two-income household dissolves, and then the mother is left there holding the bag — financially and emotionally — and then there are men that take advantage of this system and choose not to pay or be responsible,' Suffolk County Legislator Trish Bergin told The Post.
The 'Wall of Shame,' displayed at the sheriff's office in Yaphank, includes the names, photos, and last known cities of each of the 10 men, along with the amount they owe.
The sheriff claimed some of the alleged offenders haven't made a single payment in years, despite court orders and arrest warrants hanging over their heads.
Toulon warned of a near-future filled with garnished wages, seized property and jail time for no-show dads who think they can abandon their parental obligations.
'It's really the children that suffer even though these men may think they're punishing their former girlfriend, wife, or significant other,' the sheriff said.
Toulon is now asking for help from the public to assist in locating and holding these absentee fathers accountable.
'This Mother's Day, let's honor the parents who show up every day, and let's bring justice to those who refuse to,' Toulon said.
Originally published as Father figures: Here are the 10 worst deadbeat dads in Suffolk County, New York State - and what the sheriff wants for Mother's Day
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