Rebating Issue Settled

The DIFP reports that General Agent Charles Telle, of Hillsboro, paid a voluntary forfeiture (fine) to the Missouri School Fund to settle a disciplinary issue brought by the department. The DIFP alleged that Telle offered to rebate potential clients’ bond premiums by offering a 25% discount to those clients who voluntarily surrendered themselves to authorities. Also, the complaint alleged that Telle failed to respond to a department inquiry in a timely fashion and used an unauthorized marketing name. The settlement agreement states that Telle voluntarily paid the $300 fine without admission of a violation of the law.

The rebating statute can be found here at RSMO 374.717. A bondsman may not offer a discount, rebate, or give anything of value to a client or anyone on the client's behalf.