Bail Bond Companies Indicted in San Bernardino

Fifteen people were indicted last week in San Bernardino for illegal kickback schemes which involved several bail bond companies. Most defendants were indicted on December 6, 2007, by a special criminal grand jury who originally charged them back in 2004.

According to the indictment, these people worked for Boone's Bail Bonds, Arzate Bail Bonds, and the Bail Hotline. The son of the former San Bernardino County Sheriff Floyd Tidwell was involved as well!

John Barnett, a high profile Orange County attorney representing Shirley Tidwell, said that he was not surprised by the indictment and that his client would be vindicated of the charges.

Over thirty people were charged with the bail bond investigation in 2004 and many accepted plea agreements. Those who fought the charges were eventually indicted last week.

O.C. Defense Attorney Pleads Guilty to Payoff

Joseph Cavallo, a high profile criminal defense attorney, pleaded guilty to illegally paying off bail bonds agents to get him clients from the Orange County Jail.

Prosecutors claim that Cavallo paid Castro, a bail bond agent, $50,000.00 between June 2003 and August 2005.

John Barnett, Cavallo's attorney, mentioned to reporters that his client is willing to serve any sentence deemed appropriate.