Mass Arrests in Harris County Bail Bonds Fraud Cases

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
HOUSTON , TX – U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced that 53 Houston-area residents have been indicted for wire fraud schemes involving falsified documents to obtain bail bonds. Fifty individuals are in custody, and three—Tawana Jones, 44, Houston, Pamela Yoder, 60, Detroit, MI and Amir Khan, 60 Pakistan —remain fugitives. Authorities urge anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact the Houston FBI.

The indictment, unsealed on July 16, alleges employees of AABLE Bonds in Houston conspired to falsify co-signer financial reports to qualify individuals who otherwise wouldn’t meet bond requirements. This investigation, led by the FBI Houston, uncovered a massive bail bond scheme in Harris County. Special Agent Douglas Williams emphasized the significance of this first-of-its-kind investigation, highlighting the fraudulent release of criminals.

Acting Houston Police Chief Larry J. Satterwhite condemned the misuse of the bail bond system, praising the collaboration with local, state, and federal partners. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez noted the threat to public safety and vowed continued efforts against such fraud.

The indictment names 11 individuals charged in Harris County, with AABLE Bonds employees Mary Brown, 29, and Oscar Wattell, 34, allegedly recruiting straw co-signers. Sheba Muharib, 58, CEO of AABLE Bonds, faces charges related to insurance fraud. Convictions could lead to up to 20 years in prison and significant fines. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Colton Turner prosecuting the case.