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.
