Have a Credit Card? Post Your Own Bail

TULSA, OK - The Tulsa County Jail has introduced Touch Pay technology, which allows inmates to post bail with the swipe of a credit card. Family members of inmates can even use the system to effectively send money to loved ones in jail. Family members add money to an inmate’s account and the inmate can use that money to pay for items sold at the jail. The company providing the service charges a card swipe fee of $3 per transaction so the county does not pay for Touch Pay. Some bondsmen are not pleased with the technology, alleging it is hurting business by giving inmates an easier way to pay bail, instead of going through a bail agent.

Bounty Hunter to Continue on Anthony Case

ORLANDO, FL - Bounty hunter Leonard Padilla has said that he has been given $50,000 in an anonymous donation to continue the search for missing toddler Caylee Anthony. Padilla says he will return to the Orlando area to resume the search.

Bondsman Accused of Fraud

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bondsmen Joaquin Cruz is being investigated for a number of crimes, including a plot to extort money from Brian Walker and six other people. Cruz and his bail bond company are currently being investigated by the California Department of Insurance, and authorities are urging other potential victims to come forward. Brian Walker claims that after his release from jail, Cruz, the bondsman he had hired to bail him out from jail, began demanding money from him. Walker alleges that Cruz and his associates showed up armed and kidnapped both Walker and his sister-in-law, demanding that Walker pay thousands or face re-incarceration. Cruz faces two misdemeanor charges and 13 felony charges.

Bondsman Discovers Potential Problem in the System

PALATKA, FL - Bail bondsman Ronald Rutkiewicz entered the bail industry last year and quickly uncovered a problem in the bail system. Rutkiewicz has filed a lawsuit against Putnam County Clerk Tim Smith alleging that Smith did not collect money when suspects failed to appear at court appearances. In one instance, Rutkiewicz notes that his client Eddie Brown did not appear in court in July 2007. Even though the clerk’s office is required by law to file a claim against the bondsman in the case within 95 days of the missed court appearance, Rutkiewicz says no claim was filed against him until a year after the bond skip.

Law Enforcers and Bail Agents Worried about New Dona Ana Bail Schedule

LAS CRUCES, NM - A new bail schedule has been set by The Dona Ana County Magistrate Court, and bondsmen as well as law enforcement authorities have been expressing concern about the changes. The schedule has changed the way bonds are set in cases where a judge is not available to hear the case, a situation which occurs at night or late in the evenings. The new bail schedule deems that the accused will be bailed based on the highest criminal charge only. This will make it easier for accused persons to be released, especially in cases where several charges are laid, since the accused will only be bailed on the highest charge. To be bailed, the defendant will have to pay 25% of the bail amount on the highest charge. Victims are worried that even violent criminals will be easily released on the new schedule. Bondsmen are concerned that defendants will be given the same bail as repeat offenders.

Successful Bexar County Bondsman Surrounded By Controversy

BEXAR COUNTY, TX - In the bail bond industry, Bexar County bondsmen Albert Saenz is a fast-rising star. After opening his first office of AA Best Bail Bonds in 2003, Saenz now has a bond writing capability of over $32 million - nearly double the amount the nearest competitor can write. AA Best Bail Bonds now has nine regional offices as well. Saenz attributes his success to low prices, a respect for risk, and strong advertising campaigns. Some of his former employees, however, allege that Saenz gets breaks by making friends at the local jail and courthouse.