Darius McCrary, best known for playing Eddie Winslow on the hit 90s sitcom Family Matters, is on his way back to Michigan to face felony charges tied to unpaid child support.
The 49-year-old actor appeared in a San Diego courtroom Wednesday, just days after being arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 5 while crossing into the United States from Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Agents discovered McCrary had an active felony warrant out of Oakland County and turned him over to local authorities.
Inside court, McCrary stunned the judge by trying to represent himself, a move that quickly went off the rails. He told the court he was there on a “special appearance,” confusing the judge who repeatedly asked who he was representing. McCrary replied, “Specially appearing for Darius McCrary. I’m here. I’m here.”
After several awkward exchanges, the judge determined McCrary was unable to understand and appreciate the legalities of the proceedings and appointed him a public defender. Prosecutors argued McCrary was a flight risk given he was taken into custody at the border, and the judge agreed, denying bail.
McCrary will remain behind bars in San Diego until he is extradited to Michigan within 30 days. Court records show the Oakland County warrant stems from a missed court appearance related to years of unpaid child support. If convicted, McCrary could face up to four years in prison.
In a statement to media, McCrary’s representative claimed the actor accidentally crossed into Mexico while volunteering for a charity building homes for the homeless, calling the arrest a mix-up.
According to court records, McCrary has a follow-up hearing scheduled for November 14 as Oakland County officials prepare to take custody.
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