Bail PAC Files Report

The Missouri Legislature is not in session but political fund-raising is still in season. The Missouri Professional Bail Bond(ing) Association-Political Action Committee has reported a single, large contribution from the last quarter. On the same day, the committee disbursed this contribution.

The committee reported a $1,000 donation from American Guarantee Surety, Inc. I found it interesting that American was still in business and making political contributions. American Guarantee was organized by Lee Jackson in 2002. One of the stated purposes of the corporation was to “carry on the business of writing surety bonds.” American (and Jackson’s other company Missouri National Surety) came into the limelight in 2005 when Jackson allegedly conspired to murder his competitor Jerry Cox. The press reported that affidavits filed in the Jackson case allege Jackson wanted Cox murdered because he believed Cox had reported to authorities that Jackson’s companies were fraudulent. (American and National were never licensed as insurance companies and never held bail bond licenses, although agents were writing bonds under American’s paper.)

Until his arrest in 2005, Jackson served as president, vice-president, and other offices of American. American continues to file annual reports with the Missouri Secretary of State, although it no longer backs bonds in Missouri. Since Jackson’s incarceration, he is no longer on the board or an officer. The president’s position has since been held by Jack Allison.

The following Missouri House members received the contribution by American Guarantee:

Steve Tilley R –Perryville, MO - $200
Jamilah Nasheed D – St. Louis, MO $250
Jason Smith R – Salem, MO $200
Jason Holsman D – Kansas City, MO $200

*Jackson is scheduled to go to trial on the murder conspiracy charge and a related charge of felon in possession of a firearm on August 13th in the US District Court in St. Louis.