"Unbelievable"

We would like to share the outrage of one of our readers with regards to the ramifications that drug money has on our justice system in the U.S.

Borderland Beat received this e-mail messsage last night:.

“I live in Laredo, Tx. Yesterday a local judge granted a $1.25 million bond for Joseph Allen Garcia... an alleged Zeta member who is accused of multiple murders among other things; who was also featuered on America's Most Wanted and dubbed Billy the Kid for running from the law on various occasions; who has always been allowed to be bonded out of jail beacause his attorney has proved he is worth that much... excuse me but WTF??? Albeit, if he is worth that much, the money is dirty drug money. There are some very shady things going on in our own backyard and our mayor and governor and President are worried about Mexico and the violence and CORRUPTION over there?! This really makes no sense... why would they allow someone so dangerous to roam our streets!? I want those people that allowed this to happen to get the heat they deserve. I want this story to get the national attention it deserves. Why? Everybody has their noses dipped in Mexico's business, at their inability to stop this war... while here in my hometown (a river away from Mexico) our justice system has just let loose into our community a very dangerous individual who had been wanted for a very long time... an alleged Zeta.”

Garcia was bonded out of the Webb County jail Monday afternoon after his attorney, former judge Manuel Flores, posted a surety bond that required he show proof that he is worth double the amount of his client’s high bond amount.

“The county attorney and bail bond board reviewed all the paperwork,” said Jose “Pepe” Salinas, Webb County jail commander.

“He (Flores) had to show proof he was (worth) over $3 million... it’s one of those cases where you have to go according to the law…He met all the requirements.”

Garcia had previously posted bond for murder, attempted murder and possession of drugs but became a fugitive after he failed to appear at a court hearing in 2005. He was captured in Reynosa, Mexico, in September 2010 and was expelled to the U.S where he was taken into custody.


Borderland Beat previously posted a story on Joseph Allen Garcia:

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2010/09/american-zeta-in-us-custody.html




Authorities React to Former Zeta being Released
By KGNS News
Story Created: Feb 15, 2011 at 10:02 PM CST

As the violence continues in Mexico, the fallout continues here in Laredo after one of this countries most notorious fugitives is caught, then released on bail. Local law enforcement is hoping the man they have pursued for so long can still be brought to justice. Patrick Nelson reports

Back in September of 2010, Joseph Allen Garcia was returned to the United States to face justice for the murder of two individuals and four aggravated assaults with a deadly weapon. After five years of searching for the fugitive Laredo law enforcement finally had one of the most wanted men in the country behind bars set to face trial. But on Monday Judge Elma Salinas Ender granted Garcia bail set at $1.25 million.

"We respect her findings. Again its unprecedented that somebody makes bond on this kind of money, but they were able to put together the resources to get him out."

Much to their dismay Webb County law enforcement officers watched Garcia, as he was set free Monday night. A man they worked so hard to put behind bars.

"(Is it a little frustrating to know he was able to get bond?) "We are just following the law and that is all we can do at this time."

Now that Garcia is free law enforcement hopes the judicial system has done enough to keep Garcia in town.

"We put an ankle monitor on him he's supposed to call every day so we'll be keeping close tabs on his security."

"You know he has the opportunity to run. But it will be the biggest mistake of his life because we have the contacts and resources to find him and it will cost his attorney 1.25 million."

Patrick Nelson, Laredo’s pro 8 news.

According to the district attorney Garcia is currently placed under home confinement with a GPS monitor. Garcia is required to report to pre-trial services and contact law enforcement daily. Judge Elma Salinas Ender says she has no comment on granting Garcia bond because it is an ongoing investigation. It was the judge’s sole discretion as to what bond to set or whether to grant bond at all. Again, Garcia avoided the authorities for approximately five years and was even featured on Americas Most Wanted. In this case they say he's not considered a flight risk.

Sources:
//www.pro8news.com/news/blog/Authorities-React-to-Former-Zeta-being-Released-116286534.html?blog=yurces:

Top 15 man out on bond
Laredo Morning Times: Tuesday 2/15/2011 (subscription only daily)