Globe Investigates Bondsman With Criminal History

Another Missouri bondsman has come under scrutiny by the press. The Joplin Globe reports that Jerry Mitzner Jr., a Missouri licensed agent, had an outstanding Missouri warrant and is a convicted felon from Kansas. Mitzner served time in Kansas for two counts of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, felony theft, and absconding and violating parole. He was wanted in Jasper County for filing a false police report. Mitzner is licensed under Jack Allison, president of Missouri Professional Bail Bond Association and also licensed under Linda Parker, who serves as the association’s district director. Parker also works for Allison.

The Globe reports that the Missouri Department of Insurance, which licenses bail bondsmen, acknowledged that there’s been a problem with screening applicants. Not only is licensing felons illegal, according to Matt Barton-department spokesman, but it gives ex-cons powers that even the police don’t have. Barton also said if there were sufficient questions about Mitzner’s background, a complaint could be filed and he would be given an administrative hearing to determine whether his license should be pulled. Barton also said that the department simply cannot revoke a license, but must file a complaint that is eventually heard by an administrative judge.

Allison told Joplin Globe the state is wrong about felons being bond agents. He said he knows several who had felony convictions in their backgrounds, that they had paid for their mistakes, and that it was all perfectly legal. “Right now, you can have a felony conviction if you’re a bond agent,” he said. Allison did not seem to advocate felons in the business last fall when he was interviewed by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "We don't need that type of people in this business," he said when interviewed after his former agent (convicted felon Virgil Lee Jackson) was arrested for the murder plot against bail bond competitor Jerry Cox. Allison told the Globe that he did not know about Mitzner’s past. When interviewed by the STL-PD, Allison also denied knowing about Jackson’s lengthy criminal history. “"He told me it was a burglary. I was assuming it was way back, like when he was 17 or 18 years old. A lot of things happen to kids, and people grow up,” Allison said.

Parker seemed to be in disbelief about her agent’s criminal past. “He could never have gotten his license from the state if he has a criminal background,” Parker told the Globe.

Legislation failed this session that would given the Department of Insurance more authority to act on licenses. The MPBBA opposed language removing all felons from the bail bond business. Discussion posted in my archives.