A total of 53 individuals have been indicted in a massive fraud scheme connected to the Harris County bail bond system, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The indictment alleges that these individuals conspired to use falsified documents to secure bail bonds for people charged with criminal offenses.
The scheme, which involved employees of AABLE Bonds and various co-conspirators, aimed to deceive the bail bond system by submitting false financial information on behalf of the defendants.
This included fabricating employment records and inflating income levels, making it appear as though the defendants were financially capable of covering the bail amounts.
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Among those charged are Mary Brown, 29, and Oscar Wattell, 34, both employees of AABLE Bonds. They allegedly recruited “straw co-signers” who would falsely claim to be employed and earning sufficient income to back the bonds.
This elaborate scheme has raised concerns about the integrity of the bail bond system and the potential for dangerous criminals to be released back into the community based on fraudulent information. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair and transparent bail process to ensure public safety.
The 50 suspects currently in custody are facing charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and crimes affecting persons engaged in the insurance business. Each charge carries significant penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment.
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The investigation, which involved multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies, spanned two years and uncovered a complex web of deception. The FBI conducted raids at various locations, including the AABLE Bonds offices, to gather evidence and apprehend the suspects.
The case is ongoing, and authorities are actively searching for three additional individuals who remain at large.
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