FBI In Houston Busts Massive Fake Bail Bond Fraud Scheme Involving 53 People!

A massive bail bond fraud scheme led to the indictment of 53 Houston-area residents on Wednesday. The FBI has managed to round up 50 of the suspects. Law enforcement is still looking for the other three suspects. 

The USAO in Houston alleges that more than 50 Houston-area residents were indicted for wire fraud. The scheme involved using false documents to get bail bonds for those charged with criminal offenses. 

The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. they also include crimes by or affecting persons engaged in the business of insurance.

The FBI states there are three remaining fugitives involved in the case. They include, Tawana Jones of Houston and Pamela Yoder of Detroit, Michigan. In addition to Amir Khan in Pakistan.

The Bail Bond Fraud Scheme

Court documents state employees of Houston based AABLE Bonds conspired to falsify co-signer financial reports. They used this information to get individuals with criminal offenses bail bonds that they would not normally qualify for. 

Eleven defendants charged in Harris County obtained bonds based on those falsified documents.

AABLE Bonds employees Mary Brown and Oscar Wattell allegedly recruited co-signers to make false statements about the defendants’ income and work history. The co-conspirators then allegedly lied about this information on financial reports. 

The USAO charged AABLE Bonds CEO Sheba Muharib with allegedly affecting persons engaged in the business of insurance. Muharib allegedly knew Wattell had a criminal felony conviction while engaging in the business of insurance.

In 2022, FOX 26’s Randy Wallace reported on the same bail bonds company after they were accused of charging substantially low bond amounts. This helped some high-profile murder cases. They were known for charging less than 10% of the bond amount. In addition, they even offering payment plans. This has also helped some high-profile murder cases.

FBI agents and members of the Texas Anti-Gang Task Force raided AABLE Bail Bonds taking out boxes of files.

The agency partnered with Houston police and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to conduct dozens of arrest. The US Marshals Service, and the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted dozens of arrests.

Defendants Face Lengthy Prison Sentences

Each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison. They are also looking at a possible $250,000 maximum fine for the wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges.

Muharib could receive up to five years in prison. He is also looking at a possible fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.

FBI Houston says tactical teams from their office and FBI offices in San Antonio and New Orleans, as well as the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston Police Department, and Texas DPS, are also assisting.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the remaining three fugitives is asked to contact the Houston FBI at 713-693-5000.

Have You Been Arrested Or Have Questions About Federal And State Bail Bonds?