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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, January 16, 1992                   TAG: 9201160242
SECTION: NATIONAL                    PAGE: A4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

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WOMEN URGE CONGRESS TO FORCE CHILD SUPPORT

Women who said they have tracked ex-husbands for years seeking child support urged Congress on Wednesday to crack down on fathers who flee to other states to avoid paying.

Martha Barger of Wheaton, Ill., said New Mexico authorities were ready to serve legal papers to ex-husband Joseph Sulier but he apparently got wind and quickly moved to Texas. She said he's been on the lam since 1981.

"It's worn me out; I need help," said Barger, who is seeking $53,000 for the care of her 16-year-old twins, John and Jeff.

Cheryl Spiewak Walker of Lombard, Ill., said her sons had teeth removed because they lacked proper dental care.

"There just wasn't any money," she said, contending that ex-husband Bruce Walker owes $75,000 dating to the late 1970s.

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., would provide a fine of up to $5,000 in addition to or instead of a prison sentence of up to six months for first convictions. Later convictions could mean a $250,000 fine and two years behind bars.

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Memo: A shorter version ran in the metro edition

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