Bail in the Midwest

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Courtney Wimer, President of the Washington State Bail Agents Association, as they discuss proposed changes to court rules in Washington and their potential impact on the state’s pretrial system.  Ms. Wimer explains how the proposed “high likelihood of willful flight” standard, new limits on misdemeanor bond amounts and restrictions on judicial discretion could fundamentally alter how bail is set and enforced.  She raises concerns about separation of powers, noting that such sweeping changes are being pursued through court rulemaking rather than the legislative process and highlights the unprecedented number of public comments submitted in opposition.  The conversation also explores the broader implications for public safety, court administration and the balance between defendants’ rights and accountability within the criminal justice system.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Susan Oetting, a Fort Wayne bail bondsman, fugitive recovery agent and author writing under the name “Grandma Susan.”  Ms. Oetting discusses her path into the bail profession and her work with a fourth-generation Indiana bonding company, while offering an inside look at the realities of fugitive recovery far removed from Hollywood portrayals of bounty hunters.  Drawing from her book, “Grandma the Bounty Hunter,” she shares true stories involving difficult apprehensions, dangerous vehicle encounters, deceptive field tactics and the challenges of working across state lines near major crime corridors connected to Chicago and surrounding Midwestern jurisdictions.The discussion also explores the role women continue to play in a profession often assumed to be male-dominated, including the practical advantages and risks female agents face in the field.  Ms. Oetting addresses changing bail policy in Indiana, including the proposed constitutional amendment that would expand judicial authority to deny bail beyond murder and treason when a defendant is deemed a substantial danger to the community.  The episode offers a candid, experience-based perspective on bail enforcement, public safety and why more first-hand accounts from working bondsmen remain essential to understanding the profession.

Join host Shane Rolf as he interviews Mike Willever, a retired veteran of both local and federal law enforcement. Mike is the host of the Active Self Protection podcast, a show is consistently recognized as a top podcast in the area of self-defense. Active Self Protection, Mike's company, also provides training, both live and online. Shane and Mike discuss the mindset someone needs to foster to engage in Active Self Protection.To learn more about Mike's work, visit www.activeselfprotection.com.

In this solo episode, host Shane Rolf examines the growing use of “cashless bail” and how these policies often lead to preventable tragedies. Drawing on recent high-profile cases from North Carolina, Illinois and Kansas --  including the murders of Iryna Zarutska -- individuals with extensive criminal histories are frequently released on signature bonds, despite prior failures to appear and escalating conduct.  He also highlights new research from California’s Yolo County which has seen higher rates of new crimes, violent offenses and repeat arrests from individuals released on zero-bail.  This episode offers a forceful critique of cashless bail policies and calls for legislative reform and greater judicial accountability to protect public safety.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Tracey Halley-Terrell, President of the Oklahoma Bondsman Association.Shane and Tracey discuss bail in Oklahoma, charitable bail funds and the growing issue of fraud.To learn more about Tracey, visit okbondsman.com.

Join host Shane Rolf and guest Mike Morrison, President of the Mississippi Bail Agents Association and owner of Mike Morrison Bail Bonding.  Mr. Morrison discusses the challenges and inconsistencies bail agents face across different counties and states.  He shares how Mississippi is working to modernize education, update outdated statutes and bring more uniformity to bail practices.  They also discuss crime trends, the impact of federal lawsuits on fines and bail and efforts to create a statewide procedures manual.  Mr. Morrison also highlights the importance of strong relationships within the industry and clear communication with courts and the public.  It's a straightforward look at how Mississippi is trying to strengthen accountability across its criminal justice system.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Patricia Wenskunas, survivor of a violent crime and Founder and CEO of Crime Survivors, Inc.Shane and Patricia discuss her work with her organization, Crime Survivors, Inc. They address negative effect of bail reform and how oftentimes crime survivors are overlooked in the criminal justice process.To learn more about Patricia, visit CrimeSurvivors.org.

Join host Shane Rolf and guest Michael Woody, Owner of 828 Bail Bonds. Mr. Woody serves as the North Carolina Chairman of the National Association of Bail Agents, in addition to being a board member of the North Carolina Bail Agents Association. They discuss the brutal murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte -- a crime committed by a man with at least 14 prior arrests who had been released on a simple promise to appear in court.  The case exposed the dangers of North Carolina’s bail reform policies and led to the passage of “Iryna’s Law,” ending cashless bail for violent repeat offenders. Mr. Woody also recently testified before the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary during a field hearing in North Carolina. In addition, he talked about his relief efforts to aid victims of Hurricane Helene.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, David Kain, who is a police instructor in Georgia.Kain sheds a little bit on the real world of bail enforcement and how those in the bail industry can avoid becoming the bad guys while they're bringing back the real bad guys.Kain is police officer in Georgia and is a state certified police instructor in multiple areas, many of which are critical to bail bondsmen and bounty hunters. And he has a focus on fugitive apprehension.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Brenda Dietzman, motivational speaker and former Sedgwick County Undersheriff in Kansas.Brenda received at least a dozen notable awards while in law enforcement. Upon retiring, she started Wayfinder Consulting, LLC, where she focuses on leadership and management – especially in a law enforcement and/or corrections setting. She offers online courses, consulting and individual training. She is also an internationally certified trainer and has presented to national and international audiences for both the private and public sector. In this interview, Shane and Brenda discuss, among other topics, trauma in the field of corrections.To learn more about Brenda Dietzman, visit www.BrendaDietzman.com.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Eric Granof, Vice President of Corporate Communications at AIA Surety.Shane and Eric have an in-depth discussion on bail reform and criminal justice issues, exploring the funding and origins of the bail reform movement, its impact on the criminal justice system, and the influence of wealthy donors on prosecutors and elections. To learn more about Eric Granof, visit www.aiasurety.com.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Lewis Garrison, who is Director of Bail at the Oklahoma Insurance Department.Shane interviews Lewis Garrison, the director of bail for the Oklahoma Insurance Department, to discuss the regulation and operations of the bail bond industry in Oklahoma. They cover topics such as licensing requirements, complaint processes, industry challenges, and recent legislative efforts. To learn more about Lewis Garrison, visit www.oid.ok.gov.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Larry Newman, a Missouri bail bondsman. Larry Newman is the President of the Missouri Alliance of Professional Bail Bond Agents (MAP-BBA) and a long-time bail bondsman in Missouri. He was selected as the 2023 Bail Agent of the Year by the Professional Bail Agents of the United States (PBUS). He and Shane discuss Missouri Supreme Court Rule 33.01, which outlines the law surrounding Misdemeanors or Felonies, right to release and conditions. To learn more about Larry Newman, visit /www.aaawaybailbonds.com.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Nicole Martinez, Colorado bail bondsmen and President of the Colorado Association of Professional Sureties. Ms. Martinez's company, 5280 Bail Bonds, was just named as the Best Bail Bond Company in the 2025 Best of Mile High award program. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, she is the President of the Colorado Association of Professional Sureties (CAPS) and she is working hard to rebuild the bail bond industry in Colorado.To learn more about Nicole Martinez, visit www.5280bailbonds.com.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Tad Nelson, criminal defense attorney and lawyer scientist as they discuss the intricacies of handling defendants.Nelson uses cutting-edge forensic science to crack the toughest cases and deliver justice.As a board-certified criminal defense attorney and American Chemical Society-Certified Lawyer Scientist, he spent more than 30 years blending cutting-edge forensic science with relentless courtroom strategies to uncover the truths others miss. From breaking down faulty blood tests to leveraging DNA evidence in high-profile criminal cases, Nelson has made it his mission to use science as the ultimate game-changer in securing justice.To learn more about Nelson, visit www.TadLaw.com.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Captain Jose "Pepi" Granado (Retired), homicide detective and author.Granado is a 35-year veteran of law enforcement, much of which was spent as a homicide detective. During that time, he navigated, assisted or supervised almost 800 death investigations. He has acted as a consultant on the hit A&E television show The First as well as “The Interrogation Tapes” on ABC’s 20/20. He currently operates SKyMac Consulting and hosts his own podcast: Beyond the Yellow Tape To learn more about Jose, visit www.skymacconsulting.com.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Jeff Barton, who a bail bondsman and bail enforcement agent in Missouri.Shane and Jeff discuss one of the biggest recent bounty hunter cases that has been brought in Federal Court. The case, United States v Wayne Lozier, involves a bounty hunter who was convicted of Federal kidnapping charges for apprehending a fugitive. Mr. Lozier failed to follow certain local state laws relating to bounty hunting. To learn more about Jeff Barton, visit bartonbailbonds.com.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Dr. Alex Tabarrok, who is the Director of the Center for Study of Public Choice, The Bartley J. Madden Chair in Economics at the Mercatus Center which is a part of George Mason University.Dr. Tabarrok is the author of several textbooks on economics and is the Co-Founder of Marginal Revolution University, which can be found at MRU.org. The accompanying blog, MarginalRevolution.com, has nearly 2,500 pages on an incredible variety of topics. There are also links to podcasts (and additional media) from the Mercatus Center.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Mike Whitlock, Executive Vice President and Partner of American Surety Company.  Mr. Whitlock provides a look at what’s going on with criminal justice in Illinois, a year after The SAFE-T Act was enacted. The Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act, (SAFE-T Act), made a number of reforms to the criminal justice system, affecting policing, pretrial detention and bail, sentencing and corrections. While some tout its success, Mr. Whitlock offers facts to the contrary. https://www.asc-usi.com

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, John Looney, the President of the Montana Bail Agents Association, who is presently running for a seat in the Montana House of Representatives.  Mr. Looney provides a look at what’s going on with criminal justice in Big Sky Country and discusses his decision to enter politics, explaining why he feels it’s important to serve his community.  He also discusses two pending lawsuits -- one each in both federal and state court -- in which he has charged the Bozeman Municipal Court of unlawfully refusing to allow his bail agency to write bonds.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Kirk Shaw, a New Jersey bail bondsman and the author of the book, “Make America Safe: A Bail Bondsman's Story.”  Mr. Shaw offers a very personal insider’s look at the bail profession and addresses the challenges being faced by bondsmen due to ongoing bail reform efforts throughout the nation.  They discuss the greatly increased level of crime in our communities, despite claims by advocates that soft-on-crime laws are working.  Possible solutions for making our society safer for everyone are also addressed.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Scott Jones, co-founder of One Brother One Sister. The non-profit program offers courses on how to deal with addiction and mental health issues within communities, workplaces and home life. Specifically, One Brother One Sister educates individuals on the frontlines who see these issues on a daily basis. This includes first responders, corrections officers -- and bail agents, as a high percentage of incarcerated people meet the diagnostic criteria for drug abuse.One Brother One Sister was co-founded by Mr. Jones and Karyn Hurley. They adopted the mission of helping first responders after Ms. Hurley lost her brother, who served as a firefighter and was a proud U.S. veteran. First responders face overwhelming adversity, stress and danger in their daily responsibilities which can take a toll on their physical, mental and emotional health. It is One Brother One Sister’s goal to give them the education, resources and support they need to thrive in their lives as well as their careers.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Jennifer Coffindaffer, Retired FBI Special Agent and host of the popular true crime podcast, "Break the Case with Jen Coffindaffer FBI." As true crime continues to captivate the public, it significantly influences perceptions of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Ms. Coffindaffer provides a compelling, unsensationalized glimpse behind the headlines of some of the most harrowing cases.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Shelly Alexander, President of the Tennessee Association of Professional Bail Agents.  The discuss the challenges facing the bail industry in her state, which includes a potentially catastrophic constitutional amendment.  They also address the importance of having seasoned advocates in place when working with lawmakers to ensure that the interests of the profession are properly represented. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Kim Ogg, the district attorney for Harris County, Texas.  They discuss the tremendous negative impact of bail reform efforts in the nation’s third-largest county.  We are offered a rare, insider’s look as District Attorney Ogg addresses the challenge of dealing with stakeholders less concerned about public safety than about playing politics.  Among the concerns she addresses is the weaponization of the issue of bail, much to the detriment of the criminal justice system in Texas and beyond.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Doug Bedford, who previously served as undersheriff of Johnson County, Kansas and is currently running for sheriff in the same county.  They discuss the important role the sheriff’s office plays in maintaining public safety.  Among the issues they tackle is the need to address mental health requirements of individuals in custody, the widespread problem with drugs, as well as the challenge of getting various law enforcement agencies throughout the state to work well together.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Jeff Reisig, the district attorney for Yolo County, California.  They discuss a 2022 study his office conducted that revealed that Yolo County’s zero bail policy had resulted in an increase of 163 percent in total crime and more than a 200 percent spike in violent crime.  Mr. Reisig shares his views on the current state of criminal justice and our court systems, and the measures that can be taken to bolster public safety.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, James Quinn, who served as an assistant district attorney for Queens, New York for 42 years.  They discuss the alarming rise in crime due to bail reform efforts, especially in New York, which in 2019 greatly reduced all forms of monetary pretrial release.  Mr. Quinn offers a first-hand view of how the situation played out during his time in the DA’s office. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Joe Gamaldi, the National Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police, who also serves as an active duty officer in the Houston Police Department.  They discuss ongoing attacks on the nation’s criminal justice system.  What began as simplistic calls for “bail reform” has devolved into demands to defund the police.  However, growing threats to public safety have left some citizens fearful of even going to work in the morning.  Join us for a discussion about the current conflict, that Sgt. Gamaldi has described as no less than a battle for the soul of America.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, the Honorable David R. Platt, who served as a District Court judge for 22 years in Kansas’ Eighth judicial district.  They explore the role of the judicial branch of our nation’s governmental system – the most enigmatic of the three branches.  While most are aware of the functions of those who serve in the executive and legislative branches, the judiciary is the least transparent and least accountable to the people.  Judge Platt offers a rare inside look behind a judge’s chamber doors. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Vanessa Riebli, who served as an assistant district attorney for Johnson County, Kansas for 21 years and is currently a partner in the law firm of Bath & Edmonds, which specializes in criminal defense.  They discuss the role of the prosecutor in the criminal justice system, including the great influence they have to affect case outcomes -- including who is arrested, incarcerated and for how long – and if the legal process is fair.  Vanessa has announced her candidacy for the office of District Attorney in Johnson County in the 2024 election.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Ken W. Good, bail attorney and a board member of the Professional Bondsmen of Texas.  They discuss the four phases of the "spiral of death" facing our nation's largest cities.  Politicians are being forced to grapple with a problem of their own creation – the ramifications of ill-conceived criminal justice reform. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Jared Fishman, former federal prosecutor and founder and Executive Director of Justice Innovation Lab.  Jared is the author of the newly published book, FIRE ON THE LEVEE: The Murder of Henry Glover and the Search for Justice after Hurricane Katrina (Hanover Square Press). They discuss Jared’s behind-the-scenes battle, as a young Justice Department prosecutor, to unravel the cover-up of the murder of Glover, an African American man, by a notoriously corrupt police department in Hurricane Katrina-era New Orleans. 

Join host Shane Rolf for this special edition as he addresses the recent bombshell decision by the Illinois Supreme Court, ruling in favor of a law that ends cash bail in the state.  In so doing, he questions why the court would abandoned its duty to uphold the Illinois constitution in favor of political expediency.  He also explores the probable grave consequences of the ruling for public safety. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Dennis Berndt, owner of B&K Bail Bonds in Wichita, Kansas, as they continue their discussion of the portrayal of bail agents and the profession of bail bonds in motion pictures.  How accurate is their depiction?  Through the use of audio clips, today’s episode takes a look at Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 crime film, “Jackie Brown,” the tale of a struggling flight attendant (Pam Grier) who turns to the help of a bail agent (Robert Forster) after she is caught smuggling cash for an arms dealer (Samuel L. Jackson). 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Eric Granof, Vice President of Corporate Communications for AIA Surety.  They explore the subject of the true economic cost of bail reform, a movement that has swept the country in recent years.  Do we really know the price of doing away with secured bail?  And more importantly, what is the value -- or the lack of value -- that results from bail reform? 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Dennis Berndt, owner of B&K Bail Bonds in Wichita, Kansas, as they discuss the portrayal of bail agents and the profession of bail bonds in motion pictures.  How much is accurate and how much is just Hollywood stereotyping?  With the help of entertaining audio clips, they examine “Midnight Run,” a 1988 action-comedy film about a bounty hunter (Robert De Niro) trying to bring in a bail jumper (Charles Grodin) at the behest of a stressed-out bail agent (Joseph Pantoliano), who stands to lose $450,000 if he can’t bring him in within five days.  

Join host Shane Rolf and his guests, Laura Frisbie and Krysta Lane, Kansas bail agents with Owens Bonding Inc. Frisbie is based in Wichita and serves on the board of directors for the Kansas Bail Agents Association, while Lane operates out of Arkansas City. They discuss the different approaches women take as bondsmen and how their skills differ from their male counterparts. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Joy Springfield, Director of Pro Bono at Kansas Legal Services.  They discuss what happens to defendants who have been convicted of a crime after their sentences has been served.  For those who have paid their debt to society, expungement of their criminal records (with certain restrictions) offers a second chance that benefits not only the individuals, but also society at large. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Charles White, former President of the Tennessee Association of Professional Bail Agents as they discuss a variety of pertinent topics regarding bail.  Mr. White was an early advocate for the establishment of bail bonds-specific continuing education requirements in his state and has helped a number of other states (including Kansas) develop similar requirements. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Kevin Barone, founding partner of The Capital Lobby Group, as they discuss the much-misunderstood and critically important role of lobbyists in the American political system.  Often derided by critics for advocating on behalf of specific industries, unions, trade associations, charities and other causes, lobbyists provide a key voice to lawmakers, regulators, and other branches of government.  Their advocacy helps facilitate educated public discourse on the issues involved in the creation of laws and regulations, including those involving the bail industry.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Sheriff Grady Judd of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, to discuss what is true and what is not regarding the current bail reform movement.  Evidence shows that such measures have directly led to an increase in crime.  Yet, opponents insist that bail reform is working and question attempts to roll it back in jurisdictions where it has been implemented.  With 50 years in law enforcement, Sheriff Judd offers his first-hand, on-the-ground insight as to the reality behind the rhetoric. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Nina Salarno, the President of Crime Victims United, to discuss the role bail plays in ensuring justice to the victims of crime.  Individuals charged with crimes have typically been the focus of the criminal justice system, rather than the victims they have harmed.  Ms. Salarno brings her years of experience as a victims’ rights advocate, practicing attorney and deputy district attorney in California’s Yolo County to the conversation. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Armando Roche, Chairman/Co-CEO/Co-Founder of Roche Surety & Casualty Co., Inc., one of the founding fathers of the modern bail industry.  This engaging conversation spans topics including how he built his small agency into a national underwriter of bail, changes he has seen in the business over the years and what goes into being a successful bondsman.  The discussion also covers the role that politics plays in bail and the ramifications of bail reform efforts everywhere. 

Join Shane Rolf and his guest, Alex “SkipGuru” Price, a nationally-recognized expert in the art of skip tracing, also known as bail enforcement.  An essential ingredient of the bail industry, effective skip tracing allows bondsmen to locate and apprehend individuals who do not wish to be found.  The ability to locate missing persons is one of the most important components that differentiate a successful bail agent from one who is destined for bankruptcy.  Alex shares valuable tips and keen insights garnered from his 38 years as the preeminent expert in his profession. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Sgt. Betsy Brantner-Smith (ret.) spokesperson of the National Police Association, as they discuss the current state of criminal justice, including bail reform efforts across the country, and how it affects the work of law enforcement.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Jeff Clayton, Executive Director of the American Bail Coalition, for a discussion about the arguments in support of bail reform efforts across the nation. Does the presumption of innocence makes bail improper?  Are people sitting in jail solely because they lack funds?  And does bail reform have no effect on the rise of crime?  After careful scrutiny, the answers might be surprising.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Gerald Madrid, President of the New Mexico Bail Bond Association, for a discussion about the increasing influence of politics in America’s bail system.  Joining the conversation is Albuquerque-based defense attorney, Christopher Marlowe, who contributes his views on this topic from a legal perspective. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Mike Whitlock, Executive Vice President and Partner of American Surety Company to discuss the issue of 10 percent bonds.  This controversial issue concerns attempts from bail reform advocates to prevent bondsmen from accepting less than 10 percent of the total bail amount.  They have argued that doing so in the past has contributed to the increase in crime across America -- a position unsubstantiated by any statistics to date.  Listen in to learn the real story behind this controversial issue. 

Join host Shane Rolf and his guests, Kansas House of Representatives members, Rep. Rep. John E. Barker of the 70th House District and Rep. Stephen Owens of the 74th House District for a lively and informative discussion.  Bail reform is currently the hottest criminal justice topic.  But it means different things to different people.  Some call for the release of all defendants because they are collectively the victims of an oppressive criminal justice system.  Others see bail reform as the chance to deny even the option of bail to certain defendants.  Are either of these positions correct?  How is bail reform, no matter how it is defined, impacting those who live in the Midwest?