CLEVELAND -- They have good jobs and decent incomes and collectively owe millions in child support.

A 5 On Your Side investigation has found that it's deadbeat mothers who are more likely to be accused of not paying up.

Investigative reporter Ron Regan dug deep into court records, census data and even joined deputies on a deadbeat mom roundup to learn more about how much local women owe to their families.

Regan discovered that women owe $16,248,619 in Cuyahoga County. That's $16 million that's never reaching children who desperately need money for food, clothing and medical bills.

"I felt bad for the kids, my youngest daughter especially. I mean she still has problems. She asks, 'Why don't mom love me? Why don't mom love me?'" Randall Lipscom said.

His four children went year after year with no child support, Regan said.

"She made good money. Not just pennies. She made good money," Lipscom said.

In all, their mother is accused of walking out on more than $30,000 in court-ordered child support.

"I don't think she has any feelings. I really don't," Lipscom said.

Instead of running out on her kids, their mother said she was avoiding her ex-husband because of a contentious divorce.

She said she's paid $3,000 since April and is trying to comply with her obligations.

The average amount owned by deadbeat moms in Cuyahoga County is $5,461.

Regan said sometimes it takes a team of deputies to track the women down. Sgt. David Synkowski with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department said they go to great lengths to hide.

"These folks will stop at nothing to get out of their commitment," Synkowski said.

Authorities said Tina Marie Diamond has been on the run since April. She was charged with failing to pay $20,168 to her three children.

Melody Faust was charged with owing more than $33,000 to her twins.

Regan said the women have only been charged, not convicted.

Regan's investigation found 2,975 deadbeat moms in Cuyahoga County.

County Prosecutor Bill Mason has a special prosecutor to track down mothers and fathers who don't pay.

"These are people who snub their nose at the system and say, 'I'm not doing it.' Even though they have the ability to do it," Mason said.