Bondsman Brenda Dischbein, of Farmington, was injured last week when she tried to apprehend Norman Forrester. According to the Daily Journal, Forrester has been charged with first degree assault for striking Dischbein with his vehicle.
Forrester stopped his vehicle on a roadway near his residence. Dischbein approached his vehicle to speak to him. Forrester opened the driver’s side door to his vehicle knocking her back. Forrester then put his vehicle in reverse and struck her with the driver’s front fender as he was backing up. Dischbein sustained injuries to the arm and wrist, left ankle and a strained lower back.
Forrester bond is set at $75,000 cash only. At this time, he remains a fugitive.
Showing posts with label Fugitive Recovery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fugitive Recovery. Show all posts
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Out of State Bounty Hunters Arrested in MO
Two bounty hunters from Mississippi are scheduled to be arraigned today in Scott County, Missouri, after being charged with engaging in fugitive recovery without a license. Timothy Fugate (pictured at right) and Jeremy McNeil are both featured on their website, http://www.fugitiveapprehensionteam.com/, advertising their services for fugitive recovery. Both also claim to be law enforcement officers.
According to this report on KFVS-TV, the men hit the wrong house in Sikeston, Mo, in the middle of the night, searching for a fugitive. Weapons were drawn and the two men were later arrested by local authorities after the home owners called 911.
Fugate and McNeil posted $1,000 bonds for unlawful acts under RSMO 374.789, a class D felony.
According to this report on KFVS-TV, the men hit the wrong house in Sikeston, Mo, in the middle of the night, searching for a fugitive. Weapons were drawn and the two men were later arrested by local authorities after the home owners called 911.
Fugate and McNeil posted $1,000 bonds for unlawful acts under RSMO 374.789, a class D felony.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Bondsman Files Suit Against Police Department
General bail bond agent Gerald Cox, and his son, James Cox, have filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Maryland Heights, its police chief, and two of its officers. The 12 count complaint alleges defamation, slander, malicious prosecution, violation of civil rights, and tortuous interference. The lawsuit was filed in US District Court, St Louis.
The Cox men were investigated and arrested last fall by the Maryland Heights Police Department after four bounty hunters apprehended a fugitive, Leah Pinion, and her cosignor and boyfriend, Lance Peabody. The two were apprehended in a hotel and were transported to Cox’s office. Peabody’s car was also transported to the office. Several months later, the police charged Jim and Jerry Cox with burglary, kidnapping, tampering with a motor vehicle, and stealing. James Cox was additionally charged with unlawful conduct as a surety recovery agent, and Jerry Cox was additionally charged with fail to inform law enforcement of apprehension. The charges against both men were dropped earlier this year.
After their arrests, Gerald Cox and Cox Bail Bonds was suspended from writing bonds in the City of St. Louis and several other jurisdictions. The lawsuit alleges a loss of income of $174,000.
The complaint states that neither James nor Jerry Cox had instructed the bounty hunters to apprehend Lance Peabody and that neither were aware that it was occurring until after it happened, and that a valid contract existed for the payment of the bond fees charged to Lance Peabody, and paid by Peabody’s mother, Arlene Taylor. A separate written contract explaining the relationship between the bounty hunter and Cox, Inc. was also shown and explained to the detectives. The complaint also alleges that Maryland Heights Police Department further discovered that the bounty hunter and those assisting him were indeed independent contractors, and that neither Gerald nor James Cox had known what was occurring at the LaQuinta Hotel until after it had happened. The complaint further alleges that no factual basis or legal probable cause existed to seek or obtain criminal charges against Gerald or James Cox for the events which occurred at the LaQuinta Hotel, nor was there a factual basis or legal probable cause to seek or obtain criminal charges regarding the contract between Peabody and Cox, Inc.
New Coverage:
Riverfront Times
STL Post Dispatch
Previous Posts:
Charges Dropped Against Cox 5/1/2009
Cox Case in RFT 12/10/2008
Cox Case in STL Post Dispatch 11/27/2008
Bondsman Charged 11/26/2008
The Cox men were investigated and arrested last fall by the Maryland Heights Police Department after four bounty hunters apprehended a fugitive, Leah Pinion, and her cosignor and boyfriend, Lance Peabody. The two were apprehended in a hotel and were transported to Cox’s office. Peabody’s car was also transported to the office. Several months later, the police charged Jim and Jerry Cox with burglary, kidnapping, tampering with a motor vehicle, and stealing. James Cox was additionally charged with unlawful conduct as a surety recovery agent, and Jerry Cox was additionally charged with fail to inform law enforcement of apprehension. The charges against both men were dropped earlier this year.
After their arrests, Gerald Cox and Cox Bail Bonds was suspended from writing bonds in the City of St. Louis and several other jurisdictions. The lawsuit alleges a loss of income of $174,000.
The complaint states that neither James nor Jerry Cox had instructed the bounty hunters to apprehend Lance Peabody and that neither were aware that it was occurring until after it happened, and that a valid contract existed for the payment of the bond fees charged to Lance Peabody, and paid by Peabody’s mother, Arlene Taylor. A separate written contract explaining the relationship between the bounty hunter and Cox, Inc. was also shown and explained to the detectives. The complaint also alleges that Maryland Heights Police Department further discovered that the bounty hunter and those assisting him were indeed independent contractors, and that neither Gerald nor James Cox had known what was occurring at the LaQuinta Hotel until after it had happened. The complaint further alleges that no factual basis or legal probable cause existed to seek or obtain criminal charges against Gerald or James Cox for the events which occurred at the LaQuinta Hotel, nor was there a factual basis or legal probable cause to seek or obtain criminal charges regarding the contract between Peabody and Cox, Inc.
New Coverage:
Riverfront Times
STL Post Dispatch
Previous Posts:
Charges Dropped Against Cox 5/1/2009
Cox Case in RFT 12/10/2008
Cox Case in STL Post Dispatch 11/27/2008
Bondsman Charged 11/26/2008
Friday, May 8, 2009
Vinson Tells About Fugitive Incident
Bondsman Dave Vinson granted an interview with the Lake Sun Leader. After being found guilty of two misdemeanor offenses involving a fugitive recovery incident, Vinson told his side of the story.
Vinson told the Lake Sun Leader that he and another bondsman, Jason Dampier, had located fugitive Ronald Brown in a vehicle in Versailles. Brown turned onto a dead end street. Vinson said Dampier got out of the car and walked up to Brown’s vehicle, asking him to get out. Instead Brown threw the car into reverse and attempted to back over Dampier. Vinson said Dampier told him he heard the gears shifting and because of that was able to narrowly escape being struck by diving behind their own vehicle. Vinson had his Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol drawn. Brown pulled the car forward, this time over lawns, attempting to find a way out of the dead-end. Vinson said he fired off one round, shattering the back window of the SUV. “I fired at a location where I knew I wasn’t going to hit him. I hoped the sound of the gun, of the bullet, would scare him into stopping before someone got hurt,” Vinson said. With at least 20-feet now between them, Brown attempted to back up over Vinson and Dampier again, Vinson said. It was enough room to do real damage if Brown managed to strike his targets. This time, he managed to drive away.
Previous Posts
Vinson Found Guilty of Misdemeanors
Lake Sun-New Info on Fugitive Case
Bondsman Held After Shots Fired
Vinson told the Lake Sun Leader that he and another bondsman, Jason Dampier, had located fugitive Ronald Brown in a vehicle in Versailles. Brown turned onto a dead end street. Vinson said Dampier got out of the car and walked up to Brown’s vehicle, asking him to get out. Instead Brown threw the car into reverse and attempted to back over Dampier. Vinson said Dampier told him he heard the gears shifting and because of that was able to narrowly escape being struck by diving behind their own vehicle. Vinson had his Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol drawn. Brown pulled the car forward, this time over lawns, attempting to find a way out of the dead-end. Vinson said he fired off one round, shattering the back window of the SUV. “I fired at a location where I knew I wasn’t going to hit him. I hoped the sound of the gun, of the bullet, would scare him into stopping before someone got hurt,” Vinson said. With at least 20-feet now between them, Brown attempted to back up over Vinson and Dampier again, Vinson said. It was enough room to do real damage if Brown managed to strike his targets. This time, he managed to drive away.
Previous Posts
Vinson Found Guilty of Misdemeanors
Lake Sun-New Info on Fugitive Case
Bondsman Held After Shots Fired
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Two Men Plead Guilty in Home Invasion
Former bondsman Thaddeus Bibb entered a guilty plea last week in Jefferson County to charges related to a fugitive recovery incident. Bibb, two other bondsmen, and two unlicensed men were arrested in 2007 after forcing entry on a wrong house in Jefferson County. The couple living in the house, Garth and Melissa Myers, called police and the five men were arrested. Bibb failed to appear for bench trial last December and remained a fugitive until March. He was surrendered and held on a capias bond until his plea hearing last week. Four of the charges against him were dismissed, and according to casenet he entered a plea of guilty to felonious restraint, armed criminal action, and burglary. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29th.
Three of the other men, Rudolph Whiston, Brandon Morgan and Steven Morgan have also been sentenced. Last week, Rudolph Whiston pleaded guilty to two counts of felonious restraint and property damage. He was placed on five years probation. Earlier this year, former bondsman Steven Morgan pleaded guilty to felonious restraint, armed criminal action and property damage. The judge sentenced him to five years in DOC and suspended execution of sentence and placed him on five years supervised probation. Steven Morgan is no longer licensed as a bail bond agent after he let his license lapse. Brandon Morgan pleaded guilty to two counts of felonious restraint and acting as a surety recovery agent without a license. Brandon Morgan was sentenced to three years in DOC, execution of sentence was suspended, and he was placed on five years supervised probation.
Bondsman Randall Avett is scheduled to go to trial in July.
The Myers have filed a civil action against all five men, AAA Bail Bonds, and Rick Adams.
Story on KSDK
Previous Posts
Bibb Wanted for Failing to Appear
Three Bondsmen Arrested
Three of the other men, Rudolph Whiston, Brandon Morgan and Steven Morgan have also been sentenced. Last week, Rudolph Whiston pleaded guilty to two counts of felonious restraint and property damage. He was placed on five years probation. Earlier this year, former bondsman Steven Morgan pleaded guilty to felonious restraint, armed criminal action and property damage. The judge sentenced him to five years in DOC and suspended execution of sentence and placed him on five years supervised probation. Steven Morgan is no longer licensed as a bail bond agent after he let his license lapse. Brandon Morgan pleaded guilty to two counts of felonious restraint and acting as a surety recovery agent without a license. Brandon Morgan was sentenced to three years in DOC, execution of sentence was suspended, and he was placed on five years supervised probation.
Bondsman Randall Avett is scheduled to go to trial in July.
The Myers have filed a civil action against all five men, AAA Bail Bonds, and Rick Adams.
Story on KSDK
Previous Posts
Bibb Wanted for Failing to Appear
Three Bondsmen Arrested
Vinson Found Guilty of Misdemeanors in Fugitive Case
Bondsman David Vinson was found guilty of two misdemeanor offenses, 3rd degree assault and property damage, in a fugitive recovery incident in Morgan County. Vinson had originally been charged with five felonies. The Lake Sun Leader reported that Vinson shot at a vehicle, shattering the back glass. The initial news accounts reported that defendant Ronald Brown, 25, was facing multiple charges passing bad checks and driving with a suspended license. He was scheduled to appear in court. Versailles Assistant Police Chief James Burkhart said Brown had sent a 'significant other' into court for him to make an excuse why he couldn't be there while Brown was outside in his vehicle circling town. When Vinson found him, they took off in a car chase through Versailles, Burkhart said. Vinson managed to corner Brown on a dead-end street. There was yelling, Burkhart said, which prompted nearby residents to call police. Vinson fired his gun at Brown's vehicle. Vinson said that the vehicle had been backing toward him and he acted in self defense. As officers were arriving, Brown escaped by driving through a resident's yard.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Bounty Hunters are Not State Actors
The US Court of Appeals, Tenth District, recently handed down a decision regarding bounty hunters. The court was asked to rule on whether bounty hunters constitute state actors for purposes of the Fourth Amendment when they conduct a search in the course of seeking out a bail jumper. The bounty hunters apprehended a fugitive at the home of his girlfriend. During the apprehension, the bounty hunters noticed a loaded firearm, meth, and drug paraphernalia. The bounty hunters then called the police and the fugitive was additionally charged with the drugs and firearm. On appeal, the defendant claimed that the search of his girlfriend’s home was not a legal search, because the bounty hunters were state actors. The appeals court ruled that the search and discovery of the weapon and drugs was not a state action. The court applied a two-prong test to determine if the bounty hunters were state actors:
1) Whether the government knew of the bounty hunter’s conduct
2) Whether the party performing the search intended to assist law enforcement efforts or to further his own ends
The court ruled that “the police in no way instigated, orchestrated or encouraged the search” and only knew about the search after the fact and the bounty hunters were there on a legitimate, independent action and not to assist a law enforcement effort.
1) Whether the government knew of the bounty hunter’s conduct
2) Whether the party performing the search intended to assist law enforcement efforts or to further his own ends
The court ruled that “the police in no way instigated, orchestrated or encouraged the search” and only knew about the search after the fact and the bounty hunters were there on a legitimate, independent action and not to assist a law enforcement effort.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Experienced Bounty Hunters Profiled
Utah-An interesting article about bounty hunting was recently printed in The Standard-Examiner of Ogden, UT. Steve Mills, who has been in the business twelve years, and Hyrum Lambert, who has been in the business six years, said that business is becoming more dangerous. Mills said that in the first few years he never had to draw his weapon, but now he must be more cautious because more people have become aggressive during pickups. They attribute some of the increased aggression to the use of methamphetamine. The team also said that they have only had to kick in one door in since they began working as bounty hunters.
The bounty hunters shared a few of their trade secrets. They said that action takes a back seat to strategy, disguises and trickery. "Especially men are stupid for a pretty face," Lambert said. He has a host of online profiles on social network and dating sites that present him as a pretty woman just looking for a nice man to date. He uses the profiles to groom the bail jumpers and learn their locations.
Read the whole interview here along with an eleven minute video.
The bounty hunters shared a few of their trade secrets. They said that action takes a back seat to strategy, disguises and trickery. "Especially men are stupid for a pretty face," Lambert said. He has a host of online profiles on social network and dating sites that present him as a pretty woman just looking for a nice man to date. He uses the profiles to groom the bail jumpers and learn their locations.
Read the whole interview here along with an eleven minute video.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Fox 2 Airs Story on Bail Industry in MO
Channel 2-Fox News aired a story last night concerning the bail bond industry in Missouri. The report featured a fugitive recovery agent kicking in a door to look for a fugitive. Later, the report looked into the Lee Clause and its effects on the industry. The report detailed the MPBBA’s role in drafting the 15-year felon provision in legislation to allow Lee Jackson to be eligible to become a general bail bond agent The report stated “But the State of Missouri trusted violent felon Virgil Lee Jackson after he pushed for a new law five years ago. It allowed felons to be bail bondsmen. The felony just has to be older than 15 years and Jackson's offenses including two burglaries, unlawful use of a weapon and a first degree robbery were all more than 20 years ago.…So why did Missouri Legislators listen to a felon like Jackson? At the time, he was part of the Missouri Professional Bail Bond Association. According to MO records, the Association, and its members, contributed at least $1,300 to the bill's sponsor - former Missouri Representative Robert Behnen. The new law is even known today as the Lee clause -- named after Lee Jackson.”
Sunday, March 1, 2009
KC Couple Allege Forced Entry on Wrong House
KCTV-Channel 5, of Kansas City, reported that three bounty hunters kicked in the wrong door in the middle of the night last week. According to the report, Brandon Conner, his wife and four children said that three men claiming to be police pounded on the door of their house while Conner called 911. Conner said the men then kicked down the door, searched through the house and then quickly left.
According to the report, the bounty hunters were looking for a fugitive who lived at the address four months earlier. Police say the bounty hunters represented ASAP Bail Bonds, Inc. The report does not identify the three men and whether they were licensed.
ASAP Bail Bonds, Inc. is a licensed bail bond corporation. According to Missouri Secretary of State’s website, the president is Raymond Plante, a licensed bail bond agent. The secretary is John Garrett, who is not licensed according to DIFP online records. ASAP is qualified in the 16th Circuit to write bonds under Roche Surety and Casualty Co, Inc.
The Conners said they want stricter laws to avoid mistakes like this one and an apology.
According to the report, the bounty hunters were looking for a fugitive who lived at the address four months earlier. Police say the bounty hunters represented ASAP Bail Bonds, Inc. The report does not identify the three men and whether they were licensed.
ASAP Bail Bonds, Inc. is a licensed bail bond corporation. According to Missouri Secretary of State’s website, the president is Raymond Plante, a licensed bail bond agent. The secretary is John Garrett, who is not licensed according to DIFP online records. ASAP is qualified in the 16th Circuit to write bonds under Roche Surety and Casualty Co, Inc.
The Conners said they want stricter laws to avoid mistakes like this one and an apology.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Bounty Hunting in Cyberspace
Last weekend I went bounty hunting in Cyberia. It was an exciting adventure, but I don't think I'll go back unless I must. If you don’t know the culture of hunting in cyberspace, you are in for an awakening.
A friend of mine contacted me several weeks ago and asked that I assist him in locating a fugitive. After several road trips and sleepless nights we were out of leads. We had heard that the fugitive was a known computer hacker and whiz on the Internet. I thought it would be worthwhile to follow this lead.
I located the fugitive on several social networking sites, found his user ID on another site and we began our hunt in Cyberia. We were able to contact the fugitive through a chat site. BIG MISTAKE! While the fugitive chatted about how he was able to hack anyone, he recognized my presence on his social networking site. Although I still do not understand how he accomplished the hack, the fugitive was able crash the operating system on my computer.
Here’s what you can do to learn from my mistakes. Social networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, etc. are a great resource for learning about people, their interests, friends and contacts. Savvy computer users can gain useful information on sites which host personal information. However, explore these sites with caution and be aware that there also risks to using these tools. Hackers are finding new ways to exploit these sites. And beware that as you are collecting informtaion on a site, someone may also be collecting information from you.
(I know you are wondering-did we get the fugitive. The answer is yes! The fugitive made one mistake when he left Cyberia.)
For more reading see: Social Network Sites Could Become a Hacker's Playground
A friend of mine contacted me several weeks ago and asked that I assist him in locating a fugitive. After several road trips and sleepless nights we were out of leads. We had heard that the fugitive was a known computer hacker and whiz on the Internet. I thought it would be worthwhile to follow this lead.
I located the fugitive on several social networking sites, found his user ID on another site and we began our hunt in Cyberia. We were able to contact the fugitive through a chat site. BIG MISTAKE! While the fugitive chatted about how he was able to hack anyone, he recognized my presence on his social networking site. Although I still do not understand how he accomplished the hack, the fugitive was able crash the operating system on my computer.
Here’s what you can do to learn from my mistakes. Social networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, etc. are a great resource for learning about people, their interests, friends and contacts. Savvy computer users can gain useful information on sites which host personal information. However, explore these sites with caution and be aware that there also risks to using these tools. Hackers are finding new ways to exploit these sites. And beware that as you are collecting informtaion on a site, someone may also be collecting information from you.
(I know you are wondering-did we get the fugitive. The answer is yes! The fugitive made one mistake when he left Cyberia.)
For more reading see: Social Network Sites Could Become a Hacker's Playground
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Men Sentenced in Fugitive Recovery Case
Former bondsman Steven Morgan and his son, Brandon Morgan, have pleaded guilty to charges resulting from a fugitive recovery incident in Jefferson County. Steven Morgan has pleaded guilty to felonious restraint, armed criminal action and property damage. The judge sentenced him to five years in DOC and suspended execution of sentence and placed him on five years supervised probation. Steven Morgan is no longer licensed as a bail bond agent after he let his license lapse. No disciplinary action has been initiated by the DIFP at this time. The younger Morgan pleaded guilty to two counts of felonious restraint and acting as a surety recovery agent without a license. Brandon Morgan was sentenced to three years in DOC, execution of sentence was suspended, and he was placed on five years supervised probation.
According to initial press reports, the men forced entry at a residence where they believed a fugitive to be staying. The fugitive was not at the residence and the residents denied knowing the suspect. According to reports, a couple was held at gunpoint. The police were summoned by the residents and charges resulted three months after the incident.
Three other men, bondmen Thaddeus Bibb and Randall Avett, and an unlicensed man, Rudolph Whiston, were also charged. Their cases are currently pending in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County. Bibb has allowed his license to lapse and Avett currently works under the authority of Rick Adams.
Previous Post:
Charges Filed Against 3 Bondsmen
According to initial press reports, the men forced entry at a residence where they believed a fugitive to be staying. The fugitive was not at the residence and the residents denied knowing the suspect. According to reports, a couple was held at gunpoint. The police were summoned by the residents and charges resulted three months after the incident.
Three other men, bondmen Thaddeus Bibb and Randall Avett, and an unlicensed man, Rudolph Whiston, were also charged. Their cases are currently pending in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County. Bibb has allowed his license to lapse and Avett currently works under the authority of Rick Adams.
Previous Post:
Charges Filed Against 3 Bondsmen
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Recovery Team Encounters Armed Fugitive
A fugitive recovery team encountered a dangerous situation last week as they attempted to apprehend fugitive Kevin Gwinn in St. Joseph. According to this report in the St. Joseph News-Press, the incident started when the Allison Bonding team obtained entrance to the Gwinn’s residence. Gwinn produced a gun and he team evacuated the residence and alerted police. When officers arrived, Gwinn came outside brandishing a 9 mm Ruger pistol with the hammer back. The report stated that he flourished the pistol and also put the pistol to his head threatening to shoot himself. Gwinn allegedly told officers they were going to have to kill him. Police warned Gwinn that they would use a Taser and fired multiple Taser guns and the resulting shocks knocked the man to the ground where officers were able to overpower him and seize the Ruger. Police obtained warrants alleging Mr. Gwinn with possession of an illegal weapon in Buchanan County, passing bad checks in Andrew County and a warrant from Iowa. Gwinn faces the possibility of additional charges in Buchanan County.
According to the report, the actions of the recovery team were also reviewed and considered to be legal.
According to the report, the actions of the recovery team were also reviewed and considered to be legal.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Bond Jumper Jumps
FL-According to this report at Tampabay.com, a fugitive jumped from a second story balcony to avoid apprehension by his bail bondsman. The jump landed him in the hospital. He was wanted for sale and possession of cocaine, failure to appear in court, and driving with a license suspended or revoked, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Cox Featured in Riverfront Times
Bondsman Gerald Cox was featured today in an article posted by the Riverfront Times. The article profiles the alleged actions leading up to the arrest of Cox, his son James Cox, and four other men. Cox has been charged with kidnapping, first-degree burglary, tampering with a motor vehicle and stealing.
Circuit Clerk Mariano Favazza was also interviewed. Favazza removed Cox's company from the list of qualified companies in St. Louis City. The case was reviewed after Cox filed a petition in St. Louis City and the petition was denied. According to the article, an appeal is pending.
Previous Post
Cox Arrest Update
Bondsmen Charged with Kidnapping
Circuit Clerk Mariano Favazza was also interviewed. Favazza removed Cox's company from the list of qualified companies in St. Louis City. The case was reviewed after Cox filed a petition in St. Louis City and the petition was denied. According to the article, an appeal is pending.
Previous Post
Cox Arrest Update
Bondsmen Charged with Kidnapping
Monday, December 8, 2008
Former Bondsman Wanted in Two States
Former Missouri licensed bondsman Thaddeus Bibb is wanted in Texas and Missouri for incidents related to fugitive recovery work.
According to Casenet, Bibb failed to appear last week for bench trial in Jefferson County on charges related to an alleged forced entry into a home in 2007. Bibb has a capias warrant for his arrest. He is charged with two counts of felonious restraint, two counts of armed criminal action, property damage, failing to notify law enforcement of intended apprehension, and 1st degree burglary. According to initial press reports, Bibb and two other licensed agents, Randall Avett and Steve Morgan, and two unlicensed individuals, Rudolph Whiston and Brandon Morgan, allegedly forced entry on a residence in Jefferson County. The occupants of the home called police claiming that the bondsmen had forced entry on the wrong house. Charges against all of the men resulted a few months later. Bibb’s original bond was $47,000.
Bibb also has a warrant for him in Matagorda County, Texas. He and Phil March, of St. Louis, are charged with impersonation of an federal officer related to fugitive recovery work. Bibb and March traveled to Texas in order to apprehend fugitive Edmund Franklin, who had failed to appear on a $500,000 bond through Block Bail Bonds. March and Bibb are accused of posing as federal officers in an effort to apprehend Franklin. Days after the incident, Franklin was arrested by the US Marshals Service on a separate federal warrant and was extradited to Illinois. Both March and Bibb bonded with a Texas bail bond company for $10,000 each. Bibb failed to appear on November 26th in Matagorda County and the warrant resulted. March is scheduled to appear next month.
Bibb originally posted bond on the Missouri charges with Rick Adams. His bond in Texas is a transfer bond transmitted through Safety National Casualty Corporation. The Texas executing agent does not know who ordered the transfer.
Bibb’s bail bond license expired in October 2008. He has not filed a renewal application.
Previous Posts
Bibb Trial Date
Bondsmen Charged in Home Invasion
According to Casenet, Bibb failed to appear last week for bench trial in Jefferson County on charges related to an alleged forced entry into a home in 2007. Bibb has a capias warrant for his arrest. He is charged with two counts of felonious restraint, two counts of armed criminal action, property damage, failing to notify law enforcement of intended apprehension, and 1st degree burglary. According to initial press reports, Bibb and two other licensed agents, Randall Avett and Steve Morgan, and two unlicensed individuals, Rudolph Whiston and Brandon Morgan, allegedly forced entry on a residence in Jefferson County. The occupants of the home called police claiming that the bondsmen had forced entry on the wrong house. Charges against all of the men resulted a few months later. Bibb’s original bond was $47,000.
Bibb also has a warrant for him in Matagorda County, Texas. He and Phil March, of St. Louis, are charged with impersonation of an federal officer related to fugitive recovery work. Bibb and March traveled to Texas in order to apprehend fugitive Edmund Franklin, who had failed to appear on a $500,000 bond through Block Bail Bonds. March and Bibb are accused of posing as federal officers in an effort to apprehend Franklin. Days after the incident, Franklin was arrested by the US Marshals Service on a separate federal warrant and was extradited to Illinois. Both March and Bibb bonded with a Texas bail bond company for $10,000 each. Bibb failed to appear on November 26th in Matagorda County and the warrant resulted. March is scheduled to appear next month.
Bibb originally posted bond on the Missouri charges with Rick Adams. His bond in Texas is a transfer bond transmitted through Safety National Casualty Corporation. The Texas executing agent does not know who ordered the transfer.
Bibb’s bail bond license expired in October 2008. He has not filed a renewal application.
Previous Posts
Bibb Trial Date
Bondsmen Charged in Home Invasion
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Bondsman to Stand Trial Next Week
A bench trial is scheduled to begin next week in Jefferson County against Thaddeus Bibb, who was licensed as a bail bond agent until his license expired last month. According to court records, Bibb will stand trial for charges related to a fugitive recovery incident which occurred last year. Bibb is charged with felonious restraint, armed criminal action, burglary, and failing to notify law enforcement of apprehension. Bibb and licensed agents Randall Avett and Steven Morgan, and unlicensed individuals Brandon Morgan and Rudolph Whiston, have were all charged after allegedly entering a residence in search of an individual. According to initial reports, the men allegedly forced entry at a residence where they believed the fugitive to be staying. The fugitive was not at the residence and the residents denied knowing the suspect. The police were summoned by the residents and charges resulted.
According to casenet, Brandon and Steven Morgan entered plea agreements and will be sentenced in January. Randall Avett and Rudolph Whiston trial dates have not been set.
Steven Morgan and Thaddeus Bibb are no longer licensed agents. Both have let their licenses expire. Randall Avett is currently licensed and working under the authority of Rick Adams.
According to casenet, Brandon and Steven Morgan entered plea agreements and will be sentenced in January. Randall Avett and Rudolph Whiston trial dates have not been set.
Steven Morgan and Thaddeus Bibb are no longer licensed agents. Both have let their licenses expire. Randall Avett is currently licensed and working under the authority of Rick Adams.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
New Information in Cox Arrest
The St. Louis Post Dispatch printed a new article today concerning the charges against Gerald Cox, James Cox, and other licensed and unlicensed bounter hunters who were charged yesterday with kidnapping, stealing, tampering with a vehicle, and the licensed men were charged with failing to notify law enforcement before performing an apprehension. James Cox and Morris Davis were additionally charged with performing fugitive recovery without a license.
According to the article: "A raid at motel on Aug. 17 capped weeks of fruitless attempts to grab, bail bond client Leah Renee Pinion. Pinion served some time, got out and went back to jail on a probation violation, Circuit Judge Philip Heagney said. On July 14, her boyfriend arranged for Cox to post a $30,000 bond for Pinion's freedom. The boyfriend paid $1,500 of a $3,000 fee and promised the rest in weekly installments, according to court documents. But on Aug. 9, the boyfriend changed his mind and wanted off of the bond. Judge Heagney suspended Pinion's probation Aug. 11 and ordered her arrest, citing information from her probation officer and a bondsman. Bounty hunters, presumable hired by Jerry Cox, caught Pinion that day, but she escaped. On Aug. 14 and 16, Pinion called Cox to say she would surrender, but she didn't. In a 1:30 a.m. raid at the motel, four bounty hunters grabbed Pinion and her boyfriend together. The two were taken in handcuffs to Jerry Cox's office, court documents say. Alone with the boyfriend after sending the others away, Jerry Cox allegedly toyed with a handgun and said he had spoken to a prosecutor who "asked him why he had not arrested" the boyfriend on charges of aiding and abetting a fugitive, a court affidavit says. Cox allegedly told the boyfriend that he would be charged, and that his $1,500 in cash and home would be seized, unless he paid $5,500, the documents say. When the boyfriend agreed to pay, Cox let him go. The man's mother paid the $5,500 on Aug. 22, using the a life insurance settlement from her stepson's death, according to the documents. James Cox reportedly told her that they could have taken her son's house but were really in the "money business," not the real estate business, the documents say. Wayne Schoenberg, Jerry Cox's lawyer, said his client was home in bed during the raid. The lawyer denied that Jerry Cox had a gun in the meeting, and said there was no agreement to exchange money for a promise of no prosecution. Cox told the boyfriend only that he could have gone to prosecutors, Schoenberg said. The $5,500 represented the $1,500 that the boyfriend still owed, about $1,000 in expenses and a $3,000 fee for sending out bounty hunters — all spelled out in the bail contract, Schoenberg said."
Several news agencies report that James and Jerry Cox presented themselves to authorities yesterday and were booked, posted bond and released.
Read the entire St. Louis Post Dispatch aricle here.
According to the article: "A raid at motel on Aug. 17 capped weeks of fruitless attempts to grab, bail bond client Leah Renee Pinion. Pinion served some time, got out and went back to jail on a probation violation, Circuit Judge Philip Heagney said. On July 14, her boyfriend arranged for Cox to post a $30,000 bond for Pinion's freedom. The boyfriend paid $1,500 of a $3,000 fee and promised the rest in weekly installments, according to court documents. But on Aug. 9, the boyfriend changed his mind and wanted off of the bond. Judge Heagney suspended Pinion's probation Aug. 11 and ordered her arrest, citing information from her probation officer and a bondsman. Bounty hunters, presumable hired by Jerry Cox, caught Pinion that day, but she escaped. On Aug. 14 and 16, Pinion called Cox to say she would surrender, but she didn't. In a 1:30 a.m. raid at the motel, four bounty hunters grabbed Pinion and her boyfriend together. The two were taken in handcuffs to Jerry Cox's office, court documents say. Alone with the boyfriend after sending the others away, Jerry Cox allegedly toyed with a handgun and said he had spoken to a prosecutor who "asked him why he had not arrested" the boyfriend on charges of aiding and abetting a fugitive, a court affidavit says. Cox allegedly told the boyfriend that he would be charged, and that his $1,500 in cash and home would be seized, unless he paid $5,500, the documents say. When the boyfriend agreed to pay, Cox let him go. The man's mother paid the $5,500 on Aug. 22, using the a life insurance settlement from her stepson's death, according to the documents. James Cox reportedly told her that they could have taken her son's house but were really in the "money business," not the real estate business, the documents say. Wayne Schoenberg, Jerry Cox's lawyer, said his client was home in bed during the raid. The lawyer denied that Jerry Cox had a gun in the meeting, and said there was no agreement to exchange money for a promise of no prosecution. Cox told the boyfriend only that he could have gone to prosecutors, Schoenberg said. The $5,500 represented the $1,500 that the boyfriend still owed, about $1,000 in expenses and a $3,000 fee for sending out bounty hunters — all spelled out in the bail contract, Schoenberg said."
Several news agencies report that James and Jerry Cox presented themselves to authorities yesterday and were booked, posted bond and released.
Read the entire St. Louis Post Dispatch aricle here.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Bondsmen Charged With Kidnapping
Arrest warrants were issued today for General Agent Gerald “Jerry” Cox (pictured at right) and his son James G. Cox of St. Charles. Warrants have also been issued against Surety Recovery Agent Erik Nolan, licensed bondsmen Kevin Grillion and Dennis Weatherford, and an unlicensed individual named Morris Davis. The six men are charged with burglary, kidnapping, stealing, tampering with a vehicle, and the licensed men were charged with failing to notify law enforcement before performing an apprehension. James Cox and Morris Davis were additionally charged with performing fugitive recovery without a license, a class D felony.
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jerry and Jim Cox are accused of ordering the four other men to break into a Maryland Heights motel to bring a man to their office, where they threatened prosecution and taking the man's house if they did not receive $5,500. The man's mother paid the money to gain her son's release.
Gerald Cox has been a licensed general agent since 2003 and has nine agents working under his authority. James Cox's bail bond license was revoked in 2006 after he pleaded guilty to the federal felony of conspiring to violate civil rights. Kevin Grillion has been a licensed bail bond agent since July 2008 and does not work under a general agent's authority. Dennis Weatherford has been a licensed bail bond agent since July 2008 and does not work a general agent's authority. Erik Nolan has been a licensed surety recovery agent since May 2008. Morris Davis is not licensed.
Earlier this week, a judge denied Gerald Cox's petition for a writ of mandamus against St. Louis City Circuit Clerk Mariano Favazza. Cox filed the petition after Favazza had not approved Cox's bail bond writing authority in St. Louis City.
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jerry and Jim Cox are accused of ordering the four other men to break into a Maryland Heights motel to bring a man to their office, where they threatened prosecution and taking the man's house if they did not receive $5,500. The man's mother paid the money to gain her son's release.
Gerald Cox has been a licensed general agent since 2003 and has nine agents working under his authority. James Cox's bail bond license was revoked in 2006 after he pleaded guilty to the federal felony of conspiring to violate civil rights. Kevin Grillion has been a licensed bail bond agent since July 2008 and does not work under a general agent's authority. Dennis Weatherford has been a licensed bail bond agent since July 2008 and does not work a general agent's authority. Erik Nolan has been a licensed surety recovery agent since May 2008. Morris Davis is not licensed.
Earlier this week, a judge denied Gerald Cox's petition for a writ of mandamus against St. Louis City Circuit Clerk Mariano Favazza. Cox filed the petition after Favazza had not approved Cox's bail bond writing authority in St. Louis City.
Other Press Coverage:
KSDK Channel 5 STL
KMOV Channel 4 STL
Friday, October 24, 2008
Pastor/Bounty Hunter Rescues the Lost
TN-Dr. Butch Varner, of Chattanooga, has combined two unlikely professions; he is a bounty hunter and a church pastor. When asked about how he reconciles both jobs, he answered, “We’re rescuing the lost (in both). We’re rescuing people who are on a bad course. In fact, in physical bounty hunting, almost everyone we’ve caught, they realize, man, we’re nice to them when we catch them, and we generally minister the gospel to them. It’s an opportunity. We know some people who have wound up going to our church. That is not our main evangelistic thrust, but we do see fruit from that.”
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