April 9, 2004

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today initiated proceedings to extradite from Arizona a Colorado man charged with the crime of felony non-support for the failure to pay more than $91,000 in child support.

The Governor signed the extradition request for Christopher Carroll Aragon of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, who was arrested by law enforcement officials in Coconino County, Arizona. In March 1995, Aragon was ordered to pay $45.60 per week for support of his minor children, yet he has failed to comply. As of November 13, 2003, Aragon had incurred an arrearage in the amount of $91,590.38, of which $19,762.98 is owed to the State of Michigan.

A felony warrant for the arrest of Aragon was issued by the Lapeer County prosecutor's office on November 14, 2003. Lapeer County Prosecuting Attorney Byron J. Konschuh has applied to Governor Granholm for Aragon's extradition and return to Michigan for prosecution. In Michigan, non-support of a child is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

"Aragon has failed to meet his responsibility to pay child support, and that has consequences." Granholm said. "These extradition proceedings are the result of the diligent work of the Lapeer County Friend of the Court, the Lapeer County prosecutor's office, and Arizona law enforcement officials. Michigan has a great team committed to making sure those who are required to pay child support, and those who can pay, do so."

In submitting the extradition request to the Governor, Prosecutor Konschuh wrote, "It is my opinion that the ends of justice require the arrest and return of the accused for trial on the charge."

Under the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act, the power to execute an extradition agreement for an individual in Arizona is vested only in Governor Granholm and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. Now that Governor Granholm has signed the extradition request, it has been sent to Governor Napolitano for her agreement.