Vickie Minor needed to get her son out of jail. She called Cruz Bail Bonds and was told it would cost her $1,000.

"They told me if I didn't have all the money that they would take half,
$500 in cash," said Minor.

Minor says she had to sign over the pink slip to her car, a 1995 Honda Civic as collateral. Though her son's case was resolved months ago, Minor says she's yet to get her pink slip back.

The California Department of Insurance launched a two-year investigation into allegations bondsman Joaquin Cruz defrauded clients out of nearly $300,000 in property and cash.

The Kern County District Attorney filed 33 felony charges against 65 year-old Joaquin Cruz, his wife 57-year-old Eduvina Garcia Chacon,
67-year-old Isaac Garcia, Ramona Garcia Chacon, James Britten Jones and Aurelio Martinez Guerra.

The charges include embezzling, conspiracy, attempted extortion and
false imprisonment. The accused allegedly tricked and coerced clients into giving up property that had been put up for bail.

"It's crucial that individuals are cautious when doing business with any bail bond agent," said Molly DeFrank, Deputy Press Secretary for the California Department of Insurance.

"Do not sign any blank or incomplete documents, "said DeFrank.

Cruz Bail Bonds is under new ownership. The new owners Brian Gooch and Vincent Sims say they have nothing to do with previous owner Joaquin Cruz and his wife.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim in this case is urged to call the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-HELP.