Adam and Chet Taylor of Montecito Motors returned to court Tuesday and had their bail lowered to $100,000 apiece from the original $1 million for each. Joshua Lynn and Joshua Webb, who represent Adam and Chet, respectively, argued for the reduction based on a number of factors.
Both defense attorneys repeatedly pointed out that the men had willingly turned themselves in after meeting with detectives and Senior Deputy District Attorney Brian Cota during the investigation. The lawyers also mentioned 15 positive letters that were submitted to the court on behalf of the Taylors from friends and family, and explained their clients should be released on their own recognizance and are not flight risks.
Lynn said Adam has a wife and two kids at home who he would not abandon. Webb’s case for his client echoed that of Lynn’s, and he also argued that Chet needs to see a doctor twice a week after suffering a heart attack last year. Both attorneys added that while the charges are serious, Adam and Chet are not violent and not a threat to repeat their alleged crimes if released.
Cota disagreed with the notion that both defendants had been completely cooperative during the investigation, saying he felt the Taylors were trying to get out of what they did and had lied to him during the interviews. “We’re pleased that they weren’t released on their own recognizance and there will be at least some bail if they are released,” said Cota after the hearing.
Cota added that if the Taylors do come up with the money, they will be subject to a hearing in which the source of the funds would be analyzed. This is done to assure the money used for bail is not the allegedly stolen money. Additionally, if either man posts bail, he will be subject to court-ordered monitoring.
“As it stands now, he is going to remain in custody,” said Lynn of Adam. Lynn added that he imagines Adam will remain in custody through his next scheduled court appearance on January 13 since he currently has no way to come up with the needed money.
Comments
Reduced bail? DON'T DO IT! These guys got "flight risk" written all over them.
Remember Andrew Luster? Different kind of crime (sick 1 @ that), lots of $$$ resources, got his bail reduced, was released on his own recognisanze & BAILED TO MEJICO!
If they get out on bail then make sure the court appointed monitoring does what it's supposed to do: WATCH THEM LIKE HAWKS!
Examining the source9s) of $$$ for their bail IS a great idea, nothing like bailing yourself out w/ ill-gotten gains :) henry
hank (anonymous profile)
January 4, 2012 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gotta agree with Hank on this one. Flighty birds always spook the coop and these two cretins (along with the rest of their dysfunctional flock) will most assuredly make for the border.
Do the crime; pay the prime; do the time.
Draxor (anonymous profile)
January 4, 2012 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If they had to steal all those thousands I wouldn't think they actually have a great many resources.
Ken_Volok (anonymous profile)
January 4, 2012 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KenV: "If they had to steal all those thousands I wouldn't think they actually have a great many resources."
Good point, but actually it's a bit trickier than meets the eye. The question isn't only how much they stole, but also how it was spread out, "diversified" if you will.
If they have shell options they could be stashing a lot of $$$ in many places & if it was placed in separate bank accounts it could've gained interest over time, even after they got popped.
In any case they should be watched like the specimens they are, especially the young-uns, they can sprout wings & fly away.
Like Draxor said: "Do the crime; pay the prime; do the time." Gotta keep em' around to do that :) henry
hank (anonymous profile)
January 4, 2012 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)