Disciplinary actions: Bail bonds

October 2008

Tacoma — Scott Esparza, dba Acme Bail Bonds

  • Finding:
    • Failed to keep adequate records
    • Failed to cooperate with an investigation
    • Aided and abetted unlicensed practice
    • Failed to return collateral
    • Trust account violations
    • Incompetence
    • Negligence
  • Action: Fined $10,000, payable 6 months from effective date of order.

July 2008

Samuel Lucero

  • Finding:
    • Trafficking in stolen property.
    • Extortion
  • Action: Bail bond agent license revoked.

April 2008

Lucille Fisher, dba Seattle Bonding Co.

  • Finding: Withheld refund of collateral to a client.
  • Action: Fined $850 and must pay restitution to client of $850 within 30 days of this order.

March 2008

Wayne G. McDade

  • Finding:
    • Failed to cooperate in an investigation.
    • Failed to notify DOL of criminal charges.
    • Engaged in conduct leading to gross midemeanor convictions.
  • Action: Bail bond agent license revoked for 7 years.

March 2007

Rex Hawkins, Exit Bail Bonds and qualified agent for Metro City Bonds, LLC

  • Finding: Did not request a hearing and did not respond to DOL.
  • Action: Bail bond agency, agent, and recovery licenses revoked for 3 years.

February 2007

Nathan L. Hingson

  • Finding:
    • Failed to keep adequate records.
    • Material fraud.
    • Failed to maintain a trust account.
  • Action: Bail bond agent license suspended for 8 years with 4 years stayed (not imposed), and required to complete 8 semester credit hours in accounting.

October 2006

Michael Burnhart, Michael Burnhart AAA Cash Bonding, Inc.

  • Finding:
    • Conducted unlicensed business.
    • Committed acts of moral turpitude.
    • Converted funds of another for own use.
  • Action: Ordered to permanently cease and desist from engaging in bail bond activities or transactions until properly licensed or the director modifies or vacates the disciplinary order.

September 2006

Tim Jewett, dba Jewett Bail Bond Agency

  • Finding: Aided and abetted an unlicensed person.
  • Action: Bail bond agency and agent licenses suspended for 12 months, with all 12 months stayed (not imposed) for 3 years if he has no further violations of law and pays a $5,000 fine in a timely manner.

August 2006

Kirt Martini, dba Quick Release Bail Bonds

  • Finding: Unprofessional conduct.
  • Action: Fined $1,000 to be paid within 30 days.

January 2006

Ferndale — Engracia Peterson

  • Finding: Unprofessional conduct.
  • Action: Bail bond revoked for a period of 5 years.

December 2005

Arlington — Teddy Newbre

  • Finding: Deposited collateral for a bond into personal account instead of the trust account.
  • Action: Bail bond agent license suspended for a period of 1 year.