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A bondsman has been accused of offering female inmates bail in exchange for sex. On Wednesday, the Iowa Insurance Division released details into one of their most recent investigations that included charges against bail bondsman David Ellis. Ellis, who owns Always Affordable Bail Bonds in Des Moines, faces allegations of fraud, theft and prostitution. When KCCI contacted his office Wednesday, Ellis said he had no comment on the allegations. Court documents show Ellis and his employee, Justin Gilbert, committed fraud by hiring an employee that wasn’t licensed to manage bond sales. Investigators said Ellis took EBT cards in exchange for bond payments. A third person, Debra Ellis, was charged with credit card fraud for using the EBT cards. The prostitution charges come from three separate instances over two years. Court documents accuse Ellis of asking inmates for sexual favors in exchange for bonds. David Ellis is expected to appear in court Dec. 16. Professionals who work in bail bonds told KCCI this goes against what their businesses stand for. “I want to remind people that we are here to help,” said Dennis Herman, with A-2-Z Bail Bonds. “And we’re there to run a business, and it’s a legitimate business.”Whether the allegations are true or not, Herman said it’s important for people to know his line of work isn’t full of scams. “A reputable bondsman… puts everything in writing. There’s always a legal contract,” Herman said.
A bondsman has been accused of offering female inmates bail in exchange for sex.
On Wednesday, the Iowa Insurance Division released details into one of their most recent investigations that included charges against bail bondsman David Ellis.
Ellis, who owns Always Affordable Bail Bonds in Des Moines, faces allegations of fraud, theft and prostitution.
When KCCI contacted his office Wednesday, Ellis said he had no comment on the allegations.
Court documents show Ellis and his employee, Justin Gilbert, committed fraud by hiring an employee that wasn’t licensed to manage bond sales.
Investigators said Ellis took EBT cards in exchange for bond payments.
A third person, Debra Ellis, was charged with credit card fraud for using the EBT cards.
The prostitution charges come from three separate instances over two years. Court documents accuse Ellis of asking inmates for sexual favors in exchange for bonds.
David Ellis is expected to appear in court Dec. 16.
Professionals who work in bail bonds told KCCI this goes against what their businesses stand for.
“I want to remind people that we are here to help,” said Dennis Herman, with A-2-Z Bail Bonds. “And we’re there to run a business, and it’s a legitimate business.”
Whether the allegations are true or not, Herman said it’s important for people to know his line of work isn’t full of scams.
“A reputable bondsman… puts everything in writing. There’s always a legal contract,” Herman said.