Michigan Man Had Coworker Take Paternity Test to Dodge Child Support

Well, this sounds like something straight out of a Jerry Springer episode from back in the day.

Two men are facing charges after prosecutors say they tried to cheat a court-ordered paternity test to avoid child support. Unbelievable.

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According to Fox 2 Detroit, Mark McCracken was supposed to provide his DNA to determine if he was the father of a newborn. Instead, investigators say he had his coworker, Derek Harrison, step in and take the test for him. It’s wild the lengths some people will go to just to avoid responsibility.

Macomb County prosecutors Uncover Paternity Test Scheme

Prosecutors say McCracken showed up for the cheek swab pretending to be Harrison, thinking the swap would clear him and make the whole problem disappear. Simple, right? Except for one small issue. The prosecutor’s office records the process and takes photos to confirm who actually shows up.

They forgot one tiny detail. Cameras.

When the test came back saying McCracken was not the father, the baby’s mother knew something was off. She asked to see who provided the DNA sample. Once the photos were shown, it was obvious the wrong guy had been swabbed. Boom. Busted.

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So now both men are charged with tampering with evidence. On top of that, prosecutors say they’ve each been in trouble before. Four times. That pushes this into serious felony territory.

See what I told you. Jerry Springer.