Bounty Hunters Claim Self-Defense

Police say bounty hunters feared for their safety when they killed a man they were trying to apprehend in Lakewood for skipping bail.

Lt. Dave Guttu said the four independent bond agents involved in Thursday's shooting were licensed and were not arrested.

Investigators will give the report on the shooting to the prosecutor, who will decide whether to file any charges.

Bondsman Convicted in Murder-for-Hire Case

Today, one of the bail bondsmen profiled in our story was convicted for a murder-for-hire plot, also chronicled in the April 16 story.

Glen Thomas Dotson, 43, was, "[A]ccording to court documents and the testimony of an ATF agent... a bounty hunter who worked for [Virgil Lee] Jackson, helping him to beat up people who failed to appear in court while out on bond. Currently free on bond, Dotson is charged with providing Jackson the revolver that, according to court documents, was to be used in the murder-for-hire scheme."

Here are excerpts from a press release issued today:

"Glen Thomas Dotson was convicted of charges stemming from a 2005 murder-for-hire plot to kill a St. Charles bail bondsman, United States Attorney Catherine L. Hanaway announced today."

"Testimony at trial detailed how Mr. Dotson and Virgil Jackson plotted to kill a rival bondsman to eliminate their competition in the area," said Hanaway. "Mr. Jackson is serving a ten-year sentence for his part of the conspiracy, and now his partner is facing the same amount of time."

"Dotson, 43, of Silex, (Missouri), was convicted of one felony count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and one felony count of conspiracy to provide a firearm to a convicted felon. The six-day trial was held before United States District Judge Henry Autrey."

"Dotson now faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000, per count, when he is sentenced on August 7, 2008."

Central Bail Bond Cars in Texas

If you drive around the city you can't miss those yellow cars from Central Bail Bonds parked on various street corners. The state is trying to get those cars moved.

These yellow cars are the trade mark for Central Bail Bonds. The cars are all vintage fully restored, fully licensed and legal to drive on the streets.

Kenneth Knowles, the owner of Central Bail Bonds says he has about 15 cars scattered throughout the 94 counties he serves. And now, Knowles says the state sent him a letter asking him to move the vehicles or else. Knowles says the state admitted he is the only person in this area who has received one of the letters.

But the state says its not because someone complained. Those vehicles, he explains, are also used for parades and in other events fifty to sixty times a year.

I spoke with Adele Lewis, the spokesperson for Tx-Dot. She says once a year the state inspects areas along the interstates and primary highways.

One of Knowles' cars is parked on property adjacent to a primary highway. That's the state's basis for wanting the cars moved or permitted to advertise. But this issue may already be headed to legal circles. Knowles' attorney has drafted and sent a letter to the state contesting everything.

Almost One Million In Unclaimed Bail Bond Cash In Texas County

Nearly $1 million in unclaimed bail bond money is awaiting its rightful owners at the county clerk's office.

County Clerk Delia Briones said her office has discovered about $800,000 that was never returned to people after they completed their court orders over the last nine years.

She said when someone is charged, they are taken to jail and often have the opportunity to post bond for their release. When all fines, probation and other orders made by the judge in their case are completed, the money, minus a handling fee, can be returned.

"Say it's a grandmother who just wants to help and get her grandson out (of jail). It never dawns on her that it would be returned," Briones said.

Her office began sending out about 900 letters to those entitled to a refund about a month ago. Once they contact her office, she said the process of getting the funds released by a judge begins, and the money is soon available.

"People are wondering if it's a scam," she said. "They're calling and wondering if it's for real."

Unclaimed money will be turned over to the state.

To check on a possible bond refund, call 546-2071.

California Bondsman Honored

Bail Bondsmen have a rough and tumble image, but not so Freddie Martinez.

The owner of a bail bonds agency in Fontana and a Vietnam veteran, Martinez is a soft-hearted and steadfast supporter of programs for the homeless, youth and veterans and their families.

As a veteran and business owner, Martinez has sponsored activities for high school youth and patients at the Jerry Pettis Veterans Hospital.

Other organizations he supports are San Bernardino Mission and Mary's Table.

Nominated by Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter (D-Rialto), Martinez was recently honored as 62nd Assembly District Veteran of the Year at a luncheon at the State Capitol.

“Freddie Martinez was recognized as Veteran of the Year for his many years of contributions,” Carter said. “His activities, which promote the well being of youth, veterans and the homeless, make him an ideal honoree for this award.”

Martinez said his adult son, David, who is blind, mentally disabled and confined to bed, compels him to give to handicapped children and to associate his bail bonds business with social service organizations outside of the world of law enforcement as well as within.

Martinez, who served as a state corrections officer and Redlands police officer, served in the Army in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. He completed one tour of duty in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry, 1st of the 5th Mechanized Unit. He was selected for the Purple Heart, received the Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, and an honorable discharge.

Martinez, a member of VFW 8737, was one of five veterans receiving special honors at a reception for military veterans hosted by Carter on May 15.

Besides Martinez, the special honorees include Fontana's Joe Dean, who served in the Army and is American Legion Post 772 commander.

Martinez, who comes from a long line of military veterans, said he is proud to receive an honor for his passion -- serving his country.

“I went in for God and country. That's what it's all about. The military shows you the purpose of achievement. It makes you love the red, white and blue, and that's what you are true to,” Martinez said.