Three Accused of Criminal Activity in La. While Acting as Bail Bond Agents

Louisiana Department of Insurance Fraud Investigators and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputies charged three Jefferson Parish men with aggravated burglary, aggravated false imprisonment, impersonating a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon and acting as bail bond agents without a license. Two of the men were arrested and issued cease and desist orders; the third evaded capture and has a warrant out for his arrest, the LDI said.

James D. Martin, age 39, and Reynolds Willard Rigney, Jr. (a.k.a. Ray Rigby ), age 28, were arrested and issued cease and desist orders for allegedly acting as bail bond agents without a license on four separate occasions between August 2006 and September 2007. While acting as bail bond agents on these four occasions, they have been criminally charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated false imprisonment, impersonating a police officer and assault with a deadly weapon.

Frank J. Russo, age 30, is still at large and has a warrant out for his arrest on the same charges, as well as a fine of $2,500.

James D. Martin held a property casualty license from September 2003 until April 2005. His license was reinstated in October 2007, as the department was unable to confirm his criminal activities at that time.

Frank J. Russo attained a property casualty license in July 2007, however, he did not have a license during three of the occasions and allowed unlicensed individuals to accompany him and act as bail bond enforcement agents on one occasion.

Records also show that Reynolds Willard Rigney, Jr. (Ray Rigby) has never held a license with the department.

Source: Louisiana Department of Insurance