Here we have another story of a bail agent choosing the wrong side of the law. On May 14 2012 Bail Agent James Galen Tunberg, with American Family Bail Bonds in Bellflower, was convicted for the sale and possession of narcotics while being armed with a fire arm. The original arrest came to our attention back in May 2011 when one of our agents read an article in the Orange County Register. The following is the original story as written by Eugene Fields:
May 19, 2011
May 19, 2011
SANTA ANA – Police discovered drugs and a weapon in a car during an anti-cruising operation Sunday night.
Cmdr. Steve Colon said the car was stopped at 8:40 p.m. in the 1500 block of South Bristol Street. Police found 42 grams of methamphetamine and a handgun in the car.
The passenger, Jason Rutherford, 36, was found to be a parolee. Rutherford, of Santa Ana, was arrested on suspicion of possession of the drugs.
The driver, James Tunberg of Downey, was arrested on gun-related charges, Colon said.
Both men were booked into Santa Ana Jail.
The passenger Jason James Rutherford has failed to appear and is now a fugitive.
James Tunberg was sentenced to 3 years probation and 90 days in jail.
Comments and Opinions would be appreciated Let us know what you think. Is 3 years probation and 90 days ample for these charges?
Here at All American Bail Bonds we understand that people make mistakes but when we come across a story of a bail bondsman behaving in such a flagrantly criminal manner we have to act.
Our industry is plagued with bad actors, people who don't realize that as insurance agents we must be held to a higher standard. I myself have only been a bail agent for a short time but when I was given this opportunity for employment my employer schooled me on the importance of integrity, ethics and overall good behavior and I promised never to do anything that would have people questioning my integrity.
The following is the court info as provided by the Orange County Court web site.