A former bail bondsman was hired by the Austin Polic Union as a consultant, but got more than he bargained for. According to the Union's leader Sergeant Wayne Vincent, Charles Kent Olson was hired to advise on "political and legal matters and to help in fundraising efforts for the union's charity."

However, several union members were not pleased about Mr. Olson's hiring. Partly due to a philisophical opposition to the bail bond's trade and in part to an outstanding debt Mr. Olson had. Apparently Mr. Olson owed in excess of one million dollars at one point for forfeited bonds. Meaning he was on the hook for bail amounts after defendants didn't appear in court as scheduled.

The Statesman.com reported that Travis "county and Olson agreed in a settlement that he would pay $254,456 in one payment and an additional $60,000 as part of a payment plan." Although the Statesman.com went onto say Mr. Olson didn't repay the remaining $60,000 because, he said, "I didn't have any money."

The former bail bondsman closed his business and filed bankruptcy. In addition, he also surrendered his license to work as a bondsman voluntarily.

Unfortunately for Mr. Olson, the bail bonds business has been a difficult one before and after his tenure. His experience is a reminder that bail bonds carry a large financial risk and aren't always the most popular trade. However, they serve a very important purpose and the judicial system would be paralyzed without them.