Released: November 30, 2007

Department of Insurance Fraud Investigators and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputies issued cease and desist orders and arrested two men yesterday on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated false imprisonment, impersonating a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon and acting as bail bond agents without a license. A third man charged on the same counts has evaded capture and has a warrant out for his arrest.

James D. Martin, age 39, and Reynolds Willard Rigney, Jr. (a.k.a. Ray Rigby ), age 28, were arrested and issued cease and desist orders yesterday for allegedly acting as bail bond agents without a license on four separate occasions between August 2006 and September 2007. While acting as bail bond agents on these four occasions, they have been criminally charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated false imprisonment, impersonating a police officer and assault with a deadly weapon.

Frank J. Russo, age 30, is still at large and has a warrant out for his arrest on the same charges, as well as a fine of $2,500.

Department records show that James D. Martin held a property & casualty license from September 2003 until April 2005. His license was reinstated in October 2007, as the Department was unable to confirm his criminal activities at that time. Frank J. Russo attained a property & casualty license in July 2007, however he did not have a license during three of the occasions and allowed unlicensed individuals to accompany him and act as bail bond enforcement agents on one occasion. Records also show that Reynolds Willard Rigney, Jr. (Ray Rigby) has never held a license with the Department of Insurance.

Commissioner Donelon urges consumers who have questions regarding bail bonds or any insurance related transactions to call the Department of Insurance Fraud Section at 225-342-4956 or 1-800-259-5300. If callers don’t want their names used, they can request that their involvement be kept confidential.

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