‘A threat to the administration of justice’
The prosecution calls him “a threat to the administration of justice.” His lawyer says he’s the victim of a civil dispute turned media circus.
Whatever the case, the legal problems for a Spokane bail bondsman accused of forcing a customer to give him thousands of dollars are only beginning.
Read my story on the case against Ryan M. Holmes, who appeared in court today, here.
Holmes' first appearance was the liveliest first appearance I've seen.
His lawyer, Timothy Note, lambasted the case as a "civil dispute run amok" while Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor called Holmes "a threat to the administration of justice" and asked for $100,000 bail.
"When I look at the bond amount, words like 'ridiculous' come to mind," Note said. "I represent people who have been charged with rape of a child who are out on $15,000 bond."
Holmes has no criminal record, which Judge Clark noted when she set bond at $20,000. Jail records show he bonded out today.
Note questioned why Holmes was arrested at the courthouse Wednesday in front of television cameras when his office is right near the courthouse.
“It’s one thing for the court to be complicit in a media circus,” Note said. “It’s another thing to be an active participant.”
Johnson said the victim still fears Holmes. He mentioned the victim's heart problems, which a probable cause affidavit said have been exacerbated by the situation.
He also said another victim, a retired lieutenant colonel from the Marine Corps, has come forward since learning of Holmes' arrest, claiming he was intimidated into giving Holmes money, too, though Note said the sate Department of Licensing investigated that situation and found no wrongdoing.