Bail Blotter: Grown-Up Game of Cops with Bondsman Badge Gets Man in Legal Trouble
- January 18, 2012
- by AboutBail Staff
- In the News
Each week AboutBail combs the web for the latest and most interesting industry news stories to bring you the Weekly Bail Blotter.
Grown-Up Game of Cops with Bondsman Badge Gets Man in Legal Trouble
DEARBORN, MI -- Christopher Todd Sherman claims he was playing a game of “cops” when police spotted him in black clothing and with a Bail Bondsman Enforcement Badge. Sherman has been sentenced to nine months of probation and five days of community service for unlawful possession of a law enforcement badge, a misdemeanor. Citizens called police to report two men in t-shirts reading “Narcotics” and “Sheriff” and what appeared to be police badges walking on Interstate 96. Police noticed that the badge read “Bail Bondsman.” Sherman admitted he and his friend were playing cops and shooting BB guns and were not bondsmen.
DEARBORN, MI -- Christopher Todd Sherman claims he was playing a game of “cops” when police spotted him in black clothing and with a Bail Bondsman Enforcement Badge. Sherman has been sentenced to nine months of probation and five days of community service for unlawful possession of a law enforcement badge, a misdemeanor. Citizens called police to report two men in t-shirts reading “Narcotics” and “Sheriff” and what appeared to be police badges walking on Interstate 96. Police noticed that the badge read “Bail Bondsman.” Sherman admitted he and his friend were playing cops and shooting BB guns and were not bondsmen.
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Bail Bond Business Has Gang Ties
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Gang member Troy Neuberger has stated that he took part in illegal activities at the request of Joseph Robert "Big Joe" Gustafson, a man he alleges led the gang known as the "Beat Down Posse." Others have also alleged that Gustafson ran the gang, using his Gustafson Bail Bonds business as a front for the gang. Gustafson is also facing numerous charges related to gang activity. He has pled not guilty on all counts.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Gang member Troy Neuberger has stated that he took part in illegal activities at the request of Joseph Robert "Big Joe" Gustafson, a man he alleges led the gang known as the "Beat Down Posse." Others have also alleged that Gustafson ran the gang, using his Gustafson Bail Bonds business as a front for the gang. Gustafson is also facing numerous charges related to gang activity. He has pled not guilty on all counts.
To read the full story, click here.
Bondsman Testifies in Bond Reduction Plea
MANSFIELD, OH -- Attorney Jacida Blazsef is arguing that his client, William Baker, is not a flight risk, and is asking for reduction in Baker’s bond. Baker is charged with 49 counts of sex-related charges. Among them are multiple counts of gross sexual imposition, multiple counts of sexual battery, and one count of rape. Baker has pleaded not guilty to the charges. As the attorney sought to reduce, he called witnesses, including Ohio bondsman Daniel Stratton. Stratton testified that he usually makes weekly visits for those who have posted bond, but in Baker’s case he is willing to make random daily visits to Baker’s home.
MANSFIELD, OH -- Attorney Jacida Blazsef is arguing that his client, William Baker, is not a flight risk, and is asking for reduction in Baker’s bond. Baker is charged with 49 counts of sex-related charges. Among them are multiple counts of gross sexual imposition, multiple counts of sexual battery, and one count of rape. Baker has pleaded not guilty to the charges. As the attorney sought to reduce, he called witnesses, including Ohio bondsman Daniel Stratton. Stratton testified that he usually makes weekly visits for those who have posted bond, but in Baker’s case he is willing to make random daily visits to Baker’s home.
To read the full story, click here.
Bondsman Wants to Ensure That Bail Changes Still Protect
SEATTLE, WA -- Washington bondsman Rob Hayes is concerned that proposed changes in bail laws in Washington would harm defendants, especially those with less money, and hurt local businesses. Washington is considering changes which would mandate that defendants pay their bail in full or pay a set amount upfront rather than working with a bondsman. Such legislation, Hayes argues, might also be unconstitutional.
SEATTLE, WA -- Washington bondsman Rob Hayes is concerned that proposed changes in bail laws in Washington would harm defendants, especially those with less money, and hurt local businesses. Washington is considering changes which would mandate that defendants pay their bail in full or pay a set amount upfront rather than working with a bondsman. Such legislation, Hayes argues, might also be unconstitutional.
To read the full story, click here.
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