AHC Issues Ruling on Bondsman's License

Ordered DIFP Has Cause to Discipline for Felony Conviction

The Administrative Hearing Commission (AHC) ruled on September 22nd, that the Department of Insurance (DIFP) has cause to discipline James Cox’s bail bond license because he was convicted of a felony. The DIFP was represented by Doug Ommen, general counsel and deputy director of the department. Cox was represented by Steve Carroll, legal counsel and lobbyist for the bail bond association. According to the US Attorney’s press release, Cox (who was formerly a Florissant, MO police officer) was convicted on federal charges in December 2004, after conspiring with another to falsely plant drug evidence and filing a false report regarding illegal use of a credit card. The case was covered by the KC Star Crime Scene blog. Cox was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison and two years probation. The DIFP filed a complaint to discipline Cox’s license when DIFP Director Dale Finke ordered a crackdown on bail bond agents who had felony convictions. The department’s announcement came just a week after Virgil Lee Jackson was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and later charged with conspiracy to commit murder for pecuniary gain. Jackson was arrested after federal authorities allegedly thwarted Jackson’s plot to murder Cox’s father, Gerald Cox. According to the AHC ruling, Cox argued mitigating circumstances to place his license under probation instead of revocation. The AHC responded that it did not have the authority to decide punishment and declined to make a non-binding recommendation. The DIFP will conduct a hearing to determine how Cox's license will be disciplined.