The Hamilton County prosecutor's office on Wednesday announced indictments of 86 suspected “deadbeat” parents who owe more than $1.5 million in child support.

        Warrants will be issued today for the 82 men and four women. Three are already in jail, including a man charged Tuesday with receiving stolen property, and fleeing and eluding police. He owes $29,706.

Mike Allen

        All are non-custodial parents who have missed at least 52 payments in the past two years, Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen said Wednesday.

        The 86 suspects represent the largest mass indictment in Hamilton County history. The average owed is slightly more than $12,000.

        “Frankly, in some cases, it's been years since some of the child victims have seen a dime,” Mr. Allen said at a press conference. “That's not only against the law, it is abusive behavior showing utter abandonment.”

        All face fifth-degree felony charges and up to a year in prison for each count. Six, as repeat offenders, face 18 months in prison on each count. Seven owe child support to two different families.

        Computer technology has improved prosecutors' tracking of suspects, leading to higher apprehension rates. For instance, Hamilton County's 1999 push for child-support enforcement led to the indictment of 69 suspects. Sixty-five have been apprehended.

        Several cases required incarceration, but officials acknowledged that's a last resort because it precludes those convicted from making payments while in jail.

        The conviction rate in Hamilton County for those whose cases have gone through the court system is about 95 percent, Mr. Allen said.

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