FL-Bondsman Criticized for Takedown in Public Building

According to several press reports from Florida, a senator, a tax collector, and other officials are criticizing the actions of Florida bondsman David Lowman. The controversy began after Lowman took client John Darlington into custody in the local tax collector’s office. Lowman had posted a $15,000 bond for Darlington last October for grand theft. He was released from jail after his mother put up 10 percent of his $15,000 bail to Lowman. Lowman, who owns Help Bail Bonds of Clearwater, said Darlington had checked in every week like he was supposed to since his release. But recently Nell Darlington told Lowman that her son wasn't keeping his bargain with her. He had left town in her truck, and she wanted it back. She also wanted his bail revoked. Nell Darlington decided to lure her son back by promising to transfer title of the truck to him, Lowman said. They agreed to meet at the tax office.

Lowman left his weapon in his car as he knew it was illegal to carry a weapon into a government building. Lowman was accompanied by his twin brother, Donald Lowman. The Lowmans approached Darlington in the waiting area of the tax office and asked him to stand up to be hand-cuffed. Darlington began resisting arrest and pulled a handgun from his waistband. According to reports, there were about 25 people in the tax office at the time of the incident. The Lowmans and another person were able to subdue Darlington until police arrived. No one was hurt except Darlington, who received minor abrasions to the face. Darlington faces new charges including felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon.

After the incident, it was reported that Donald Lowman does not hold a bail bond license and is a convicted felon. According to reports, Florida law prohibits fugitive recovery work without a bail bond license. Additionally, Florida statutes also say bonding agency owners may not "employ, contract with, or use the services" of anyone convicted of a felony.

Tax Collector Mike Olsen has spoken with the press several times about the incident. He has criticized Lowman for attempting the apprehension in a busy public building. He has asked for an investigation into the matter as well as changes in the law to prohibit this from happening again. State Sen. Mike Fasano on Friday crafted a letter to Alex Sink, Florida's chief financial officer, asking her to look into what happened and prevent a repeat. "Since the regulation of bail bondsmen falls under the jurisdiction of your agency, I am requesting that an investigation be done into this matter so that we can take the necessary steps, whether by rule or legislation, to make certain this never happens again," Fasano wrote. "I'm sure you agree that a citizen should be able to feel safe in a public office whether it be the office of the tax collector, a legislative office or even the DMV." Local authorities are also investigating the matter.