Two men in Macomb County, Michigan, were arraigned after prosecutors say one tried to impersonate the other to defeat a court-ordered DNA paternity test. Prosecutors allege Derek Harrison signed in as Mark McCracken and submitted a DNA sample on Sept. 12 while falsely identifying himself. Both were arraigned in December on tampering-with-evidence charges and face a basic maximum sentence of four years; habitual-offender notices could raise exposure to as much as 15 years. Investigators have not disclosed how the alleged swap was uncovered; both men remain jailed.
Two Men Charged After Allegedly Swapping Places To Subvert Court-Ordered Paternity Test In Michigan
Macomb County ProsecutorMark McCracken and Derek Harrison
Two men in Macomb County, Michigan, have been arraigned on charges of tampering with evidence after prosecutors say one man tried to impersonate the other to defeat a court-ordered DNA paternity test.
Allegations And Arraignments
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office (MCPO), 34-year-old Mark McCracken of Clinton Township and 36-year-old Derek Harrison of Roseville are accused of orchestrating a scheme in which Harrison signed in as McCracken and submitted a DNA sample on Sept. 12 while falsely identifying himself.
Macomb County ProsecutorDerek Harrison
Harrison was arraigned on Dec. 1 and McCracken was arraigned on Dec. 10. Both men face charges of tampering with evidence, a felony that carries a basic maximum sentence of four years under Michigan law.
Potential Sentencing Enhancements
The MCPO said both defendants have been served with "habitual offender fourth offense notices," which, if applied at conviction, could increase the potential penalty to as much as 15 years in prison.
Macomb County ProsecutorMark McCracken
“The allegations in this matter are truly outrageous. As many know, Macomb County takes matters of child support extremely seriously, and this case will receive the full attention it warrants,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Investigation Status And Custody
Prosecutors have not publicly explained how investigators discovered the alleged attempt to substitute DNA samples, nor have they said why the court originally ordered the paternity test. Both McCracken and Harrison remain in custody at the Macomb County Jail, the MCPO said.
The reporting publication has contacted the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office for further comment.
