Darius McCrary Arrested While Attempting to Enter Mexico

Darius McCrary, known for his role in the sitcom Family Matters, has recently been arrested while trying to cross the border into Mexico.

The 49-year-old actor was taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents on October 5.

Following his arrest, McCrary appeared in court in Southern California, where his request for bail was denied.

He looked visibly exhausted in the mug shot released by the Oakland County Jail.

Legal Troubles

McCrary’s legal issues stem from a felony warrant issued in Michigan due to a missed court date concerning unpaid child support.

A judge determined that McCrary posed a flight risk, which influenced the decision to deny his bail.

Initially, McCrary expressed a desire to represent himself in court but was assigned a public defender after the judge intervened.

Authorities are now planning to extradite him back to Michigan to face the charges related to the outstanding child support.

Family Matters star Darius McCrary has been seen in his mug shot. The actor looked exhausted in the image shared by the Oakland Sheriff's Office on Thursday

Conflicting Reports

There have been various accounts regarding McCrary’s presence near the border at the time of his arrest.

Prosecutors indicated that McCrary’s agent claimed he was in Tijuana to explore potential real estate investments.

Conversely, McCrary’s public defender stated that he was in the area for a charitable project involving housing construction.

A representative for McCrary suggested that his presence in Mexico was accidental, resulting from a misunderstanding about where to meet his partner for the Esperanza program, a charity focused on building homes.

Court Appearance

McCrary is scheduled to appear in court in Michigan on November 14 to contest the charges against him.

His representative argued that he should not be considered a flight risk, as he has no ties to Tijuana.

They emphasized that McCrary inadvertently found himself in Mexico due to the aforementioned mix-up regarding his charity work.

Past Legal Issues

This recent arrest is not McCrary’s first encounter with legal troubles.

He has faced challenges linked to his divorce from ex-wife Tammy Brawner.

The couple finalized their divorce in 2019 after filing in 2017.

As part of the divorce settlement, McCrary was ordered to pay $1,366 monthly in child support for their daughter, Zoey.

The court awarded Brawner full legal and physical custody of their daughter, who was just three years old at the time of the ruling.

McCrary walked the red carpet at the Emmys in September 2024 in LA

Court Mandates

In addition to child support, the court mandated that McCrary attend programs for alcohol and drug abuse, as well as batterers’ intervention.

Initially, he was granted supervised visitation with Zoey for six hours every Sunday.

After the first ten visits, the court would reevaluate the visitation terms.

Public Response

Following the news of his arrest, fans and former colleagues have expressed concern for McCrary’s well-being.

His portrayal of Eddie Winslow on Family Matters left a lasting impression on audiences, and many are hoping for a positive resolution to his current legal issues.

As McCrary prepares for his upcoming court appearance, the focus will remain on how he addresses these serious allegations and his efforts to reconnect with his daughter amid ongoing challenges.

McCrary played the role of Eddie Winslow on the ABC sitcom from 1989-1998. Pictured in an early episode with Jo Marie Payton; the late Rosetta Lenoire; and Reginald VelJohnson

Moving Forward

McCrary’s situation highlights the complexities that can arise from personal and legal battles, particularly in the public eye.

As he navigates the legal system, the outcome of his case will not only affect his immediate circumstances but also his relationship with his daughter and his future endeavors.

The actor’s past experiences and current challenges serve as a reminder of the importance of support systems and the impact of personal choices.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be crucial for McCrary to seek the necessary help and guidance to overcome these obstacles.

The upcoming court date in Michigan will be a significant moment for him as he seeks to address the legal issues that have surfaced in recent months.

With the support of his representatives and legal team, McCrary aims to resolve this matter and move forward positively in his life and career.

His journey serves as a testament to the challenges many face and the resilience required to navigate difficult times.

As he confronts the legal system, McCrary’s story continues to unfold, capturing the attention and concern of those who have followed his career over the years.