Former bails bondsman placed on probation for improper use of funds - East Idaho News
Crime Watch

Former bails bondsman placed on probation for improper use of funds

  Published at  | Updated at

IDAHO FALLS — The former Idaho Falls bail bondsman who misused bail funds could have his conviction removed from his record if he’s successful on probation.

On Thursday, District Judge Joel E. Tingey ordered Ryan James Smith, 51, to spend two years on probation. Smith pleaded guilty in December to one count of felony use of fiduciary funds for personal use. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed a second count of the same charge.

Tingy gave Smith a withheld judgment in the case, meaning if Smith is successful on probation, the conviction could be removed from his criminal record, at the judge’s discretion.

RELATED | Former bails bondsman pleads guilty to inappropriately using funds

According to court documents and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, Smith took collateral given to him by two clients when he owned Atlas Bail Bonds, but he then failed to either return their money or return it in a timely fashion.

RELATED | Local bail bondsman stripped of license and fined for failing to return money

Atlas Bail bonds closed its doors in 2016 after Smith surrendered his bail agent license. The Idaho Department of Insurance accused him of breaching his financial duties due to irresponsibility and forced Smith to pay a $6,000 fine.

In addition to probation Smith is required to complete 100 hours of community service and pay $2,698 in fees and fines.

RELATED | Court hearing delayed for former bail bondsman accused of inappropriately using funds

SUBMIT A CORRECTION