Renting Jail

BANDERA, TX – Until Bandera County decided to build its own larger jail, some inmates were being housed in rented jail space in nearby county jails. Some opponents believed the rent system created too many added costs to the prison system. Some critics of the new jail, however, point out that there is already plenty of jail space in nearby county jails, making a new prison an unnecessary expense and wasteful project. Full Story  Read More →

Lawsuit Claims Bail Bonds Firm Overcharged Immigrants

A lawsuit has been filed against AAA Bonding Agency, alleging that the company charged immigrants excessively for bail. Former clients now suing the company claim the bond firm charged immigrants up to 30% over and above the standard rate the company had filed with Texas regulators. In addition to charging larger fees, the bond company allegedly did not file the correct paperwork in relation to the higher rates on these cases, which is violation of insurance regulations. Attorneys are seeking class action status for the lawsuit.  Read More →

Bail Association Dispute

A dispute at the Bexar County Bail Bond Association will now be heard before the state district court, after questions have been raised about the association treasurer’s financial records. The man who was until recently the association secretary, David Fernandez, who has filed a petition with the court asking that association treasurer John McRae produce financial records and provide a sworn deposition about the financial records of the association. The dispute has divided the association, though many still support McRae. McRae has been treasurer... Read more

Loss in the Bail Family

Maria Villanueva, a long-time employee of Bargain Bail Bonds Too in Fort Worth, Texas, lost her 11-year old son in a tragic accident Thursday, April 16. Jesus Covarrubias was killed after his bike struck an 18-wheeler truck. A memorial fund has been set up to honor the memory of a life cut short. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank.  Please make the check or money order payable to “The Jesus Covarrubias Memorial Fund.”  You can also mail the donation to: Wells Fargo 2315 N. Main St. Fort Worth, Texas 76164. Please support... Read more

Enforcement Agent Shot in Stomach On the Job

Houston Bail Enforcement Agent Tyson Kennedy was shot in the stomach early in the morning on Wednesday, April 8. Kennedy, along with three other agents, were attempting to find Jesus Ramirez, a fugitive who had skipped out on a $35,000 bond. Ramirez was not at the house, though it was listed as a possible residence on the bond application. After one of the agents knocked on the door at 3:15 AM, Jesus Hinojosa answered the door then fired multiple shots. One struck Kennedy in the stomach. Kennedy was airlifted to Memorial Herrman-The Texas Medical... Read more

Texas Bail Agents Not Happy with New Sheriff in Town

Four bail agents in Starr County, Texas are not happy with the dissolution of the county’s bail bonds oversight board. The bail agents claim to have found over 250 instances of the new sheriff accepting bonds from prisoners that fall outside the county rules. The oversight board was originally founded in 2002 after Dave Jones, Octavio Castaneda, Daniel Villarreal and Mike Escovar sued the county to stop the Sheriff’s Office from releasing inmates to their family members or lawyers with property promised instead of a formal bond through... Read more