An undercover investigator posing as an undocumented immigrant helped bring down what Gwinnett authorities believe was bail bonding scam targeting Hispanic inmates and their families.
According to Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office Maj. Kirk Williamson, investigators were contacted Tuesday by a woman who said her son, who was incarcerated at the local jail, was "approached by another inmate who provided information about a bonding company." The woman contacted the supposed bonding company and "later paid a fee to two people representing themselves as bonding agents."
They never posted a bond for the victim's son.
Authorities soon discovered that the bonding company did not exist, Williamson said, and took things into their own hands.
"An investigator posed as an illegal undocumented alien attempting to secure a bond for a relative and made contact with a person purporting to be affiliated with the fictitious bonding company," Williamson said in an emailed news release. "The deputy met with two people representing themselves as bonding agents at a location and paid a fee in exchange for a bond."
Nathan Freeman and Judy Bass, both of Snellville, were arrested on the spot and charged with two counts apiece of theft by deception. It was not immediately clear Friday what role, if any, the inmate who recommended them played in the alleged scam.
Authorities believe Freeman and Bass may have been intentionally targeting Hispanic victims.
"Investigators are continuing this investigation," Williamson said, "and feel that victims may be hesitant to report this type of activity due to their immigration status."
Those who may be victims should call 770-619-6655. Legitimate, approved bonding companies are listed on the sheriff's office's website.
As of Friday morning, Freeman and Bass remained in the Gwinnett County jail. They were being held without bond.
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