Bail News Roundup - March 19, 2007
This week, the AboutBail.com staff had plenty to talk about. From changes at one of our favourite networks, to an unusual investigation in Los Angeles, to a bail bondsman wanted on charges of non-payment, we were reading the news all week. Our picks for the most interesting and the wackiest news stories:
CourtTV Making Some Changes
We at AboutBail.com love CourtTV and were thrilled about the announcement this past week that the network is being revamped to include new programming and a new look. One of the shows we are really excited about is called Bounty Girls. The show will take cameras along on the assignments of Sunshine State Bail Bonds in Florida, a company that hires elite female bounty hunters.
What Happened at LAX?
Here’s an intriguing story out of LAX: Two people were arrested at Los Angeles International Airport this past Friday after claiming that they were transporting a criminal out of the state. The man and woman claimed that they were police officers and were armed, but had the paperwork to bring a gun on board a flight. A routine check of their credentials by Los Angeles Airport Police revealed that the woman did not have authority to a firearm. Both the man and the woman were arrested on weapons charges and on charges of impersonating a police officer. It has been reported that the pair are bounty hunters, but further details have not yet been released.
New Haven Scandal May Lead to Bail Bond Reforms
Bail bondsmen Paul Jacobs, Philip Jacobs, and Robert Jacobs were arrested for allegedly paying tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to New Haven Police officer William White. The money was reportedly paid so that White would hunt down fugitives who had skipped bail. The Jacobs stood to loose money if the fugitives could not be found, but authorities allege that paying money so that a police officer does his job is corruption. Ironically, in 2004, Paul Jacobs successfully campaigned against legislative reforms to place stricter controls on bail bond businesses.
Hurricane Katrina Continues to Cause Bail Woes
Many Katrina evacuees fled to Texas following the storm that destroyed their property, but those whose loved ones ended up in jail in Texas claim that they are not being granted bond. The victims claim that Texas bail bondsmen are reluctant to work with evacuees, and the area’s bail bondsmen agree, noting that evacuees make high flight risks. Bondsmen also note that they have already lost a great deal of money on evacuees who have fled the state, leading many in the industry to refuse 10 percent bonds.
Bail Bondsman Appears to be on the Lam
San Antonio bail bondsman Emerson Vance allegedly owes $3.7 million for fugitives who jumped bail. Since he used his real estate as collateral, it is expected that the Bail Bond Board will sell some of Vance’s properties in foreclosure auction in order to recoup the funds. It is alleged that Vance had several run-ins with the police. Vance's license was revoked by the Bexar County Bail Bond Board. For months, Vance’s whereabouts have been unknown, making it impossible for the Bail Bond Board to try to recover the money.
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