COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Prosecutor Zachary Stempien and Friend of the Court Director Lona Julien have announced that Douglas Tanner has been sworn in to serve as the Bench Warrant Deputy for the Branch County Friend of the Court.
Tanner grew up in Quincy and served four years as a Reserve Officer with the Branch County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Michigan State Police in 1994 where he served for 25 years before retiring in 2019.
He will be investigating, locating, and arresting subjects wanted on Friend of the Court warrants.
In addition, Tanner will also continue work as the Investigator for the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office, a position he has held since July of 2021.
Since starting with the Prosecutor’s Office, Tanner has located over 100 persons wanted on felony warrants dating back to 1984.
County officials say having a deputy in these positions will expand the capabilities of both offices, including the potential for more fugitive out of state arrests and transports back to Branch County courts.
Since jail restrictions were lifted as of this past Monday, individuals with Friend of the Court warrants can now be arrested and lodged.
The goal of the Friend of the Court is not to arrest and incarcerate, but to have payers with warrants contact them to resolve the warrant with a payment and assist with resources to address barriers to making regular child support payments.
A bench warrant is not issued for failing to pay support, but for failing to appear at a contempt hearing.
If you believe you have a warrant, you may appear personally at the Friend of the Court office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m..
Payments on Friend of the Court accounts can now also be made via debit and credit card.
If you have questions on how to resolve a warrant, or tips on the whereabouts of a wanted subject, calls are welcomed at the Prosecuting Attorney Office at (517) 279-4328 extension 6463 or Friend of the Court at (517) 279-4314 extension 5173.
You can also send by email at tannerd@countyofbranch.com or friendofthecourt@countyofbranch.com.
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