Bail News: Judge Blocks Law Limiting Bondsman Training to One Company
- October 20, 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 News.
Judge Blocks Law That Limits Bondsman Training to One Company
RALEIGH, NC — Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens has blocked enforcement of a law that allowed only the North Carolina Bail Agents Association to train North Carolina bondsmen for their licensing requirements. Judge Stephens agreed with the North Carolina Bail Academy, another company hoping to provide bondsman training in the state, that law amounted to an unconstitutional monopoly.
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Man Indicted for Impersonating Bounty Hunter
BRIDGETON, NJ — A grand jury issued two indictments against Edward D. Collins for theft by deception and for impersonating a bounty hunter. Collins reportedly arrested at least one woman, allegedly for an outstanding warrant and accepted bail money from the woman’s friend, even though Collins is not a licensed bounty hunter. Collins’ scheme was discovered when the woman called a local bondsman with questions about her alleged court date.
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License Plate Data Used for Tracking Purposes
NEW YORK, NY – According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, private companies and law enforcement are collecting licensing plate information, using license plate scanning technology and storing the information on databases. The information is being collected even about drivers who have done nothing wrong, since the technology automatically tracks anyone within a radius. According to the Wall Street Journal, the average American is exposed to tracking via 20 different types of technology during everyday activities. At least two private repo companies are also using license plate tracking technology to gather data for private databases and to provide information about stolen cars to police. One of the companies hopes to eventually be able to sell information to bondsmen, private investigators, and others who may be interested in the data.
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Former Magistrate Sentenced for Scam Involving Bribes from Bondsman
NORFOLK, VA — Former Portsmouth magistrate Deborah Clark has been sentenced to one year and one day for her role in a scam that involved her taking bribes from bondsman Ulysses Stephenson Jr.. Stephenson will be sentenced in November for his role in the incident. Clark admitted that she took money from Ulysses Stephenson Jr. to refer clients to him and to take his direction when setting bail. Former magistrate Loretta Reese also allegedly took money from and provided information to bondsmen. She has already been sentenced.
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Bondsman Accused of Opening Fire
CHESAPEAKE, VA – According to police, a Virginia bondsman was trying to serve an outstanding warrant when an altercation occurred. The bondsman allegedly shot at the man and when police arrived at the scene they found the man injured. Police have not placed any charges in the incident and the man who was shot is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Police are still investigating the incident.
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