Bail Blotter: Bondsmen and US Marshals Track Fugitive
- May 10, 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.
Bondsmen Unhappy With Proposed Bill
MONTGOMERY, AL – A new bill in Alabama, is being considered in legislature and it has some bondsmen upset. House Bill 703 would add $35 in filing fees for every criminal charge made against a defendant. The money would pay for costs such as court clerks, but Alabama bondsmen say that even the nominal increase would make bond more expensive and could put some bondsmen out of business.
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4th Circuit Rules Against Bondsman
SUMTER COUNTY, SC – The 4th Circuit has decided that Shirley Gregg can collect $100 000 after being terrorized by a bondsman. The South Carolina bondsman, Jon E. Ham, was looking for a fugitive when he showed up at Gregg’s home with other bondsmen and a Senior Sheriff's Deputy. He searched Gregg’s home, something she agreed to only because she was frightened. Ham held a shotgun during the search and shouted at Gregg when the search did not uncover the fugitive. Once the bondsmen left, Gregg called 911. Gregg eventually sued the bondsman and the Sumter County Sheriff's Department, who helped Gregg search for the fugitive. Judge Albert Diaz sided with Gregg, agreeing that the bondsman’s actions overstepped the law and violated Gregg’s rights.
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Bondsman Turned Author
JERSEY CITY, NJ – Douglas K. Harmon, a New Jersey bondsman, has turned his life around. After getting into trouble with the law and serving time for drug charges, Harmon eventually became a successful businessman and bondsman. He even gave back to the community, holding annual clothing drives and barbecues and giving away bicycles to children. Most recently, he has written a children's book: "Momma, What's a Stranger?" The book is designed to help children learn how to stay safe.
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Bondsmen and US Marshals Track Fugitive
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Fugitive Cameron Paul Crockett has been wanted by authorities since he failed to appear for a sentencing hearing two months ago. He is facing charges of manslaughter following a drunk driving incident and now Virginia bondsmen as well as police and US Marshals are looking for him. Lucky Seven Bail Bonds, responsible for Crockett's $20,000 bail, has 150 days under law to find the fugitive. Crockett's family allege that he is innocent and have launched a social network campaign in his defense.
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Services Held for Bondsmen
BAKERSFIELD, CA – The services for bondsmen Zachary and Brandon Sims were held this week. Hundreds showed up to pay their respects to the two Bakersfield California bondsmen who were killed while trying to apprehend a fugitive. The two bondsmen were brothers who worked for Bad Dog Bail Bonds, a company run by their father. Stephen Michael Stewart has been charged with multiple offenses for the incident that led to the deaths. Among the charges are two counts of first degree murder.
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Fugitive Wanted for Kidnapping
COLUMBUS, GA – Earlier this week, Columbus Georgia bondsman, Richard Ward called police to report on the actions of a man he was trying to apprehend. Ward was trying to locate Charles Oakes for bond revocation but when Oakes saw the bondsman he fled, dropping drugs and a weapon. According to Ward, Oakes then forced himself into a car driven by a woman. A small child was also in the car. Oakes forced the woman to drive him to a different spot and then left the car, leaving the woman and child unharmed. Police are now looking for Oakes, who is wanted on kidnapping charges and a range of other charges related to the incident.
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