Michigan men swapped places to dupe paternity test, prosecutors say

A pair of Macomb County males switched locations to attempt to cheat on a paternity check, county prosecutors say.

They now face legal prices that might land them in jail for as much as 15 years if convicted.

A 34-year-old Clinton Township man was ordered by a court docket to take a DNA paternity check, in keeping with a information launch from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Workplace.

As a substitute of taking the check, prosecutors say he organized for one more man — a 36-year-old from Roseville — to impersonate him.

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The impostor recognized himself because the alleged father and offered DNA on his behalf on Sept. 12 on the Macomb County Administration Constructing, prosecutors say.

The 2 males have been charged with tampering with proof in December in 41B District Courtroom in Clinton Township.

Though the tampering cost is a felony punishable by as much as 4 years in jail if convicted, the pair face a lot harsher penalties if convicted as charged by prosecutors.

Prosecutors plan to deal with every man as a recurring fourth-offense offender, which may result in enhanced sentences of as much as 15 years in jail if convicted.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido emphasised his concentrate on baby assist circumstances in an announcement within the information launch.

Lucido’s workplace often points press releases about legal prices towards mother and father who’re capable of pay baby assist however refuse to take action.

“The allegations on this case are actually outrageous,” Lucido mentioned. “As many know, Macomb County takes baby assist issues very critically, and this matter will obtain the total consideration it deserves.”

Esther E. Wolfe, communications director for Lucido’s workplace, declined to reply additional questions in an electronic mail. That features particulars about how the alleged DNA swap got here to mild.

The case will go to trial, she mentioned.