Bail Blotter: Taxpayer Dollars Used for Fugitive Benefits

• August 16, 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.

What Effect are New Fees Having on Bondsmen?

ANNISTON, AL – Alabama House Bill 688 has been in place for a month, increasing court fees for a number of services, including bonds. Since June, those who have been charged with a felony are paying between $150 - $750 more for court fees while those charged with misdemeanors are paying $100 - $450 more. In addition, the courts have added a $35 filing fee for each bond written. According to court officials, the increase in fees is helping the city, but Alabama bondsmen say that the costs are hurting their businesses. The Alabama Bail Bonding Association and area bondsmen lobbied against the law, arguing that the higher costs are passed on to defendants and with the increased costs many will now not be able to afford bail.

To read the full article, click here.

Scott Israel has Accepted $13,700 in Contributions From Bondsmen

MIAMI, FL – Scott Israel is running for sheriff and has reportedly accepted $13,700 in contributions from 38 Florida bondsmen. The money is earmarked for the primary election and some opponents are questioning what will be expected of Israel in return for the money. In 2008, Israel faced criticism for accepting $500 from bondsman Wayne David Collins, who had a criminal history.

To read the full article, click here.

Hearing Board Wants Bail Examined

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV – Former Kanawha County Magistrate Carol Fouty has been investigated for allegedly dismissing tickets in exchange for gifts and favors. Now, a state Judicial Hearing Board looking into the case wants a review of the way bail bonds were approved and obtained. The recommendation comes after allegations that Fouty had a hand in proceedings regarding at least one personal recognizance bond. Fouty has already resigned and it has been recommended that she be censured and made to pay reparations.

To read the full article, click here.

Is Forfeiture Collection Policy Working?

LAGRANGE, GA – LaGrange Daily News Article has reported that almost $300,000 in forfeited bail bonds have not been collected between 2001 and 2009. Responding to the news, Sheriff Donny Turner wrote in his personal newsletter, Troup County News, that the county has used the same collection method for years. LaGrange Daily News Article has responded to Turner by printing the actual figures from the public records to back up their allegations.

To read the full article, click here.

Bondsman’s License May be Revoked Over Payment Issue

DAUPHIN COUNTY, PA – First Assistant District Attorney Fran Chardo wants to see the bondsman license of James Fabie revoked after Fabie posted a $25,000 bail for Rudolff Zigray, who was involved in a drug trafficking case. Zigray went on the lam and Chardo claims that Fabie should have known that he was a flight risk. It is rare for a bondsman’s license to be revoked over a bail forfeiture but that is what Chardo is seeking in this case. The Dauphin County, Pennsylvania bondsman will not have to lose his license if he pays the forfeiture, but he may be able to avoid both since a judge dismissed the charges against Zigray when the man failed to appear in court. The judge in the case cited a lack of jurisdiction. 

To read the full article, click here. 

Judge Allows Bail Law

MONTGOMERY, AL – Circuit Judge Tracy McCooey has decided not to block a new law in the state that will add new fees to bail. Several Alabama bondsmen and bail companies initiated a lawsuit to block the law adding a $35 fee for every bail, alleging that the fee interferes with defendants’ constitutional right to bail. The plaintiffs sought a preliminary injunction, which was denied by the judge. However, other issues in the lawsuit still need to be ruled on. 

To read the full article, click here.

Taxpayer Dollars Used for Fugitive Benefits

MIAMI, FL – According to Florida bondsmen Jose Gonzalez of Superior Bail Bonds, Jenny Garcia of Sunshine Bail Bonds, and Barry Golden of the U.S. Marshals Service, fugitives on the lam are still receiving government benefits paid for by taxpayer dollars. According to the bondsmen, they know of wanted fugitives who are still getting prescriptions, food stamps, and other government benefits. The bondsmen are concerned, since the access to benefits helps the fugitives stay on the run and avoid capture. In addition, the Social Security Administration does not share information with bondsmen who are seeking the fugitives, so the benefits cannot help lead to an arrest. 

To read the full article, click here. 

For more bail news highlights, click here to check out the in-the-news archives.