Jacob A. Tate, Failure to Pay Child Support, Arizona 2020

A 44-year-old man from Anthem, Arizona, has been federally indicted for willfully dodging child support payments owed to five of his children over an eight-year stretch ending in August 2020. Jacob A. Tate now faces federal charges that could land him behind bars for up to two years.

Tate was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018, on charges of Failure to Pay Child Support. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 7, 2020, where he entered a plea of not guilty. The case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga, is set for trial on October 13, 2020.

The indictment lays out a pattern of nonpayment across multiple periods: from October 1, 2012, through August 7, 2020; March 1, 2015, through August 7, 2020; February 1, 2014, through August 7, 2020; June 1, 2015, through August 7, 2020; and July 1, 2014, through August 7, 2020. Authorities allege these were willful and unlawful failures to meet court-ordered obligations.

If convicted, Tate faces up to 2 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $500 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The court may also order full restitution to be paid to the custodial parent or families affected by the delinquency.

The investigation was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General, highlighting federal involvement in what is often treated as a civil matter. The case underscores the government’s willingness to pursue criminal penalties when child support obligations are systematically ignored across state lines.

Tate has been released on bond pending trial. The charges are presumed allegations under federal law, and he is innocent until proven guilty. United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced the indictment, reaffirming federal commitment to enforcing child support obligations through criminal prosecution when warranted.

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