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Charges didn't stick in previous bondsman arrest

Posted at 12:31 PM, Dec 30, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-30 15:02:30-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis bail bondsmen accused of murdering two teens has been arrested twice, in 2006 and in 2013, but the criminal charges didn’t stick either time.

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Kevin Watkins was arrested in January 2006 for resisting law enforcement, disorderly conduct, and refusal to identify.

According to the 6-page police report obtained by Call 6 Investigates, Watkins refused to move his vehicle while parked in front of Wishard Hospital and became irate.

“I can say what the (expletive) I want to say and do what the (expletive) I want to do,” Watkins reportedly told the officer.

Watkins refused to provide his driver’s license and quickly sped away from the officer, according to the report.

VIDEO | Fightbreaks out after Watkins' hearing

When police finally pulled Watkins over, they discovered several firearms including a loaded Taurus 357 Magnum, a shotgun, a revolver, and a semiautomatic pistol.

Police also found a scanner, which Watkins said he used to monitor apartment complexes he patrolled as a security officer.

“When asked about the amount of firearms and ammo in the vehicle, Mr. Watkins said he also did bail enforcement work and used the weapons for that purpose,” read the report.

Prosecutors did not file any criminal charges in the case, records show.

In fact, the Indiana Court System does not even list the 2006 case at all.

Peg McCleish, spokesperson for the Marion County Prosecutors Office, told Call 6 Investigates it is not clear why Watkins was never charged in the case.

Watkins was arrested on January 21, 2006 and released the next day, records show.

Watkins was arrested again in January 2013 on drug possession and paraphernalia charges, as well as maintaining a common nuisance.

He was arrested on January 15, 2013 and released the next day, records show.

In October 2013, all three criminal charges against Watkins were dismissed.

Call 6 Investigates contacted Judge Jose Salinas’ court for more information on the case, but was told the court no longer has the file because the case was dismissed.

Call 6 Investigates also checked on Kevin Watkins' bail agent license, and found it was suspended in 2002 due to a tax lien.

In 2006, after he cleared up the tax lien, he applied for a new license and another criminal background check was performed before his license was approved, according to Jenifer Groth, spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Insurance.

Bail agents are required to complete 6 hours of Continuing Education and pay a licensing fee of $600 every 2 years. IDOI does periodic audits of bail agents to ensure compliance with Indiana Bail laws. Watkins was last audited on September 26, 2013.

Records indicate IDOI has completed two investigations on Watkins, one in 2009 and one in 2011, according to Groth.

The 2009 investigation was for failure to timely file a report. The issue was resolved and the complaint closed without action, according to IDOI.

In 2011, a consumer filed a complaint against Watkins alleging he failed to refund a bail bond. The investigation determined the bail agent was not responsible for refunding the bond. The complaint was closed without action.

"The IDOI Enforcement Division is currently reviewing the facts and determining what appropriate actions to take in regards to Watkins license based on Indiana Code IC 27-10-3-8 relating to denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses," said Groth in an email to Call 6 Investigates.

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