Bounty Hunter Banned in Haleigh Cummings Case!
By Art Harris, The Bald Truth, (c) artharris.com, all rights reserved
A Ft. Lauderdale bounty hunter who once worked as a private investigator for the mother of missing five year old Haleigh Cummings has been banned from working on any cases in the North Florida swamplands around Putnam County, at least for the next year, after pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery.
We need to correct our original report that a much slimmed down William Staubs, aka Cobra, accepted a no contest plea after court sources explained he tried, but the Putnam County circuit judge refused to approve that deal, and ordered him to plead guilty to battery, or risk trial and possible prison had he been convicted of the more serious felony false imprisonment charge brought by Daniel Snodgrass, a former limousine driver accused of committing capital sexual battery with an underage girl.
A jury had been selected Wednesday and was ready to hear the case, sources tell us, when the Staubs deal was struck.
Snodgrass filed the criminal complaint against the once beefy bounty hunter after Staubs threw him on the ground last March outside the home where he once offered girls unicycle lessons. He then cuffed Snodgrass, hands and feet, and took him into custody–ordinarily kosher tactics for a licensed bounty hunter taking a bondjumper in for violating terms of his bond, rough stuff allowed only if the perp is believed armed or dangerous.
Staubs claimed he was suspicions the accused predator had violated terms of his probation, and radioed for police back-up last March outside the Snodgrass Satsuma Ponderosa after claiming he’d heard a possible automatic weapon “that sounded like a magazine being stitched up” by someone inside the house. (Wink wink.)
We were standing just feet away, on public property, and now realize in replaying videotapes of the incident we shot and posted here at artharris.com, we never heard it…But Snakeman’s apparent wolf cry for backup did bring Putnam County sheriff’s deputies to protect the once beefy bounty hunter and witness the takedown.
After Snodgrass filed the criminal complaint, the Florida State attorney demanded we turn over our videotapes as possible evidence in its case against Staubs, but preeminent first amendment lawyer Peter Canfield, of Dow Lohnes in Atlanta, took issue with the subpoena, arguing Georgia’s Shield Law protected a journalist’s notes and outtakes, and that newsworthy footage was posted here for all to see.
Staubs claimed he was within his rights as a bond agent after Snodgrass’s local bailbondsman handed him the file at Chucks’ Bail Bonds in Palatka, Fla.
Free on a no collateral bond with an ankle monitor, Snodgrass had dropped by the Haleigh Cummings search center in Satsuma to offer free furniture to the cause. At the time, terms of his probation barred him from being around girls under 18, who frequented the center.
Conditions of Staubs’ sentence include:
–no contact with the victim (Snodgrass) while on probation;
–no bond activity or PI work in the 7th Judicial Circuit for the year, in effect, barring him from investigating the Cummings case further.
Law enforcement maintains the investigator turned up nothing new they didn’t already have in the Cummings case, hyped his significance for publicity, betrayed their initial show of goodwill and may have harmed the capital sexual battery case against an accused child predator—by putting Snodgrass in a position to play the victim. Local officials tell me they stopped taking his infrequent calls long ago.
For a year now, Staubs has vowed he’d go to jail, even prison, rather than admit any wrongdoing in the Snodgrass pickup, but Wednesday he did just that with the guilty plea, a deal that makes it a bit harder, but not impossible, for the victim to bring a civil suit against Staubs.
One factor in the deal may have been a state regulator who said Staubs was within his rights to pick up Snodgrass after his local bondsman, a convicted sexual predator named Chuck, volunteered his file. Had it gone to trial, though, the jury may have heard that, to get that file, Staubs mis-represented he had the blessing of their mutual insurance agent when the agent says he didn’t.
When he reapplies to renew his state license, experts tell us, it’s unclear if his guilty plea, or other possible complaints will play a role in the licensing board’s decision whether to renew it, including a statement from an insurance agent we watched Staubs phone before the takedown who says he denied the bounty hunter’s request for permission to revoke the Snodgrass bond, Roger Capener of Miami.
(Cobra claims his truck’s 24-7 security system captured the conversation, and others, despite state and federal laws that bar taping of a third party without permission. Any such tapes are inadmissable as evidence in a trial, and barred from public use, and had Staubs tried to use them, lawyers say he risked more criminal (and civil) charges, for allegedly violating state and federal wiretapping statutes.)
While Staubs kept that conversation under wraps, Capener later recalled their brief chat.
“He asked me if I would give him permission to pick up Mr. Snodgrass, and I said absolutely not,” Capener told The Bald Truth months ago in an exclusive interview. “In no way, shape, or form was he to go out and arrest this guy on anybody’s behalf.”
So why does he think Cobra did it? “Because he’s a nut, if you want to know the truth. He’s a loose cannon.”
March 25th, 2010 at 1:09 am
Cobra, Tim H., Simon, Kim P., Leonard P., Hobbit55, what a train wreck this case has become!
March 25th, 2010 at 2:20 am
A man who harmed two children(Snodgrass).Went to a foundation for a missing child.With im sure children around it,an his bond stipulations said he couldnt be around children.Cobra was doing what he thought was righ.Cobra also was brave enough to go in dark places an seek avenues to talk to those.Who would not talk to LE.All in trying to find little Haliegh.An for that he has now a record,an is band from doing any searching,or talking to anyone to get anwsers about Haliegh.An may not get his Lic. to work.
Art i just find that a shame.Cobras rough around the edges.An in his line of work,you have to fit in,in order to get close to your bond jumpers.Hes fearless,an for what he did try to do,i thank him. Wonder if he was getting close to something,an someone just wanted him out of that town??
He spent a lot of hrs there,an saw a many thing that was not right im sure. Bad way to treat some one who had a heart to stay an track down leads.Many only went there for a short time.An act like they really did something. Like the Anthony case, this case is going to hurt many innocent people before its over with.Just because the wanted to find a anwsers about this precious missing child. lol how about letting this one post!!
March 25th, 2010 at 2:27 am
LOL two sexual nuts taking up for each other Snodgrass,an Chuck.Wouldnt you know it!!!
March 25th, 2010 at 2:52 am
I think the Capener is lying to save a lawsuit against HIS company. I don’t believe CObra was working outside his capacity.
Per a partial depostion of Snodgrass’s posted on BNN tonight, Daniel ADMITS to going to the HBC, in person, Not calling to ask if they wanted the items, nothing sent through the mail, he WENT there, admittedly. He should have been revoked from his bond that very day by LE!!! He also states in his deposition that YOU, Art Harris, accompanied Jereamiah Regan, to his home and the YOU, Art Harris, had asked him if “That limo is the one you pick up little kids in” thereby offending him and he threw you & Jeramiah out. He didn’t like you filming him and asking about his case either. That occured on the 17th, 3 days prior to Cobra’s “apprehension & release” of Snodgrass.
The deposition goes on to state:
“Q) Who is Jeramiah Regan? I don’t know him?
A) He’s the head guy that was the head coordinator for the Haleigh Cummings headquarters.
Q) He’s not law enforcement?
A) No. He’s just a – matter of fact’ I guess the FBI is checking on him about some weird stuff happening there, all of them. And so they came to my house and started filming. And I told him –”
So, the FBI were at the time of this depo, already investigating HBC, managers, organizers, Picazio, Regans, Sheffields and more. Do you have info into this revelation?
March 25th, 2010 at 2:57 am
Also, according to the Dickers Depo per CObra’s case, SINCE Cobra had Snodgrass’ file, which could only be picked up from CHUCK’S Bail Bonds in Palatka and Cobra ALREADY had Power of Attorney from Colonial (Carte Blanche as long as local bond company agrees and gives him the file), he HAD to be within his legal rights to do what he did.
The liars who only see dollar signs instead of right & wrong are the real culprits here. Colonial denied involvement, CHUCKS protects pedophiles since “CHUCK” is one, so where did that leave Cobra? With the wrong end of the stick.
March 25th, 2010 at 5:22 am
Ill Try again Cobra was smart in taking this plea.He knowS who,an what he was up against. I am proud of him,for all the hrs he spent on the ground there.Searching for anwsers,to Halieghs where abouts.He even risked his life to go into seedy areas,to talk to those who wouldnt talk to LE.Cobra is fearless.An I doupt anyone ever said thank you Cobra for all you have tried to do.Everyone wants to be appreceated,for taking the time out their lives to help.Im sure he run into some of the rude ungreatful ones there.I do hope this didnt cost him his way to make a living.
Cobra may have been rough around the edges,but hey he had to be to go deep into dark seedy areas. That how a Bail Bonds man does to get close to people when hunting someone who jumpt bail.An im sure he thought he was doing right. That man was not suppose to be anywhere children were.An you know children where in,an out the HBC. Snodgrass had to be breaking what his stipulations were.It may have stopped him from going back again to the center,ever thought of that.My lord that county must be full of SO,an i believe that is what happened to Haliegh she was taken by a so/pedifile. MOP
March 25th, 2010 at 8:17 am
It is in my opinion that Snodgrass should have been taken in. He was definitely in violation!!!!! He should not have any rights to bring a civil suit against Cobra!!! I believe Cobra was told he could bring Snodgrass in, but unfortunately he was unable to present his evidence.Cobra did the right thing!!
In all honesty LE should of brought in Snodgrass for his violation. Why did they not support Cobra? I honestly do not see how Cobra endangered the sexual battery case. The evidence the State has against Snodgrass speaks for itself.
When are the rights to the children going to be first and foremost? WE HAVE TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!!!! THEY ARE THE VICTIMS!!! THIS SNODGRASS WAS DOWN AT THE HBC, WITH CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OGF 18. HE WAS CLEARLY IN VIOLATION!! ADD THIS TO HIS PENDING CHARGES! NO LETS BRING CHARGES AGAINST COBRA WHO WAS CLEANING THE STREETS OF THE SCUM SNODGRASS IS. PATHETIC!!!!
March 25th, 2010 at 11:15 am
That’s over…. FIND HALEIGH NOW STOP THE B.S.
March 25th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Can this crowd GET any more white trash? I wish they’d just convict Misty and get this over with. Everyone she’s involved with is crooked.
March 25th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
I feel bad for Cobra. His heart is in the right place. I do not think he is a nut. I think some people’s memory has changed out of fear of lawsuits by Snograss. IMO this case needs to focus on HaLeigh and not all these diversions.
March 25th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
How the he** does a convicted sexual predator named Chuck get to be a BAILBONDSMAN????
March 25th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
I think Cobar did a job he though was right.He spent many hr is that county,seeking anwsers about Haliegh,an her where abouts.I thank him,for the many hrs of sweat,an heart he put into all he did. Art if you were there any you know how it is there,,but Cobra went to some rough places seeking anwsers.He left a broken hurt man.Not even a thank you.That must feel terrible.But i thank him for what he did.An im glad he get to take a break.Its so easy to get caught up,with shady people whn working UB,or investigating,in some of the places he went.
I talk to Hank sometimes.An i like him,an Lisa.Its a shame all they are going through,with 2 children in jail.No matter what anyone says about their past.I like them.
March 25th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Dang spellings off lol,i wish it was so we could correct it after posting lol.Oh well,Art you sure can tell its me!!!!
March 25th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
I’ve never been impressed with Cobra..He may well have good intentions, but his anger, and wanting media attention clouded those good intentions, if there were any.. One less nut on the Haleigh case…IMO
March 25th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
You are selling Cargo Pants for $39 thru some other vendor.
lol
Sitting on or in the top of the heap of mankind can’t be all that great!
And it’s my chore to remind you!!!!
March 25th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
> So why does he think Cobra did it? “Because he’s a nut,
> if you want to know the truth. He’s a loose cannon.”
I would have to agree with that.
Personally, I do NOT like the idea of bondsmen revoking bond period, unless the person has skipped town. Speedy trials, contempt of court, and longer jail sentences is how the legal system should handle problem cases.
March 26th, 2010 at 1:28 am
A few ‘loosed cannons’ are good to have ’round yu.
Reminds me of D-minor and you don’t always need an orchestra, or a great orchestra…
Yet it sure doesn’t hurt.
Yet it does, if you never got the bred, or get my beef.
Let alone perfect teeth, or bodies, or those that look pretty on these tubes.
Deep inside is a nice place to reside, unless it be some harbor for guilt…
And we all share it, no matter the circumstance of your reality.
So, I’ve kinda got side tracked was he the ‘cuddle bear’ that tried his best yet got a little too carried away with justice, yet probably still on the right tracks?
Just a hunch.
Are there any really bad losing cannons?…so far, or for the words…I don’t think so…but, I’m always ready to be proven wrong.
March 26th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Art, Do you know if the polygraph was something called a “Guilty Knowledge Test?” It is the only type of polygraph that academic psychologists consider to have possible validity. Thanks.
March 26th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Well NO ONE you would be saying that if Snodgrass did do what he has been accused of. An started going to the HBC,an got his hands on another 9 yr old Everyone would be screaming why wasnt Sgrass arrested when he first went to HBC.The child must have went to the hospital That he has been accused of hurting..Children that age wouldnt lie about something like that.I would have liked to have Cobra on my side,at least he was brave enough to try an stop the man from hanging out where children went.The furniture thing was just a reason to get his foot in the door at HBC.
I knew an old perv who would get his foot in the door, by buying the family things,by all the children things,they thought he was just a good person.He always went to poor families,who needed things..An he was caught several times exposing his self to the little girl in 2 familys.2fter he won the trust of the parents ,he went into action.But he was arrested. So dont you see what Cobra was doing was trying to protect the children in that county.When he did what he did!!! Thank you Cobra. MY OP
March 26th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
You would have liked it less if Snodgrass had got his foot in the door at HBC,an attacted more children.He did what Chuck should have done.Oh yah Chuck an Snodgrass are 2 peas in a pod!! //.Whats wrong with people dont they even see the furniture was an excuse,to get in the door.
I knew a man who was arrested after his 2nd molestation of 2 different girls.He always stepped in to help poor families out.Buying food,an gifts,helping pay a bill.But he all the time was after the girls.The parents were devistated,at how the man used them to get to their children. But he got his foot in the door by offering help.
March 26th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Now you know what! Cobra isn’t a loose cannon, Actually, My Take of him is a Big Teddy Bare.
He my sometimes go off as if he could be a Loose Cannon, But I chalk that up to all the Injustice, The Ludicrous tactics, The sweeping under the carpet, Bull, that’s been going on down there, In Satsuma Florida, and Surrounding areas.Someone Has got Goods on Someone else, And heads are turning the other way, When Someone Does something wrong, Some one Doesn’t want to Step on Someone else’s toes, In fear, that Some one else is going to open up a Secret Can of Beans, that someone does not want for others to Know about, THAT’S WHY! THERES A HOLE LOT OF PEOPLE THATS WALKING AROUND THE STREET, THAT AUTO BE IN JAIL – A LONG TIME AGO, BUT KEPT GETTING AWAY WITH WHAT EVER THEY WAS GETTING AWAY WITH, LIKE Ronnie, Misty, Most likely Ronnie’s Mother, we all know Misty’s Family are No Gooders, And Oh my God, Let us not for get all those pedophiles that are walking the streets down there, and ALLOWED, to enter an agency, that’s open to find a Child, where Children are at.
WHO !!!! In their Right MINDS turn es their heads, and keeps looking the other way, NOT COBRA!!!!! Shame on all of you Legal Eagles down there in Florida, What Are you Jealous that He Just might have been getting close, and or Doing your Job. ” Cobra I Hope you get to read this ” I sure would like to meet you one day and Shake your Hand!!! you are all right in My BOOK!!!!
The way I see it You all Down there in Florida, You Legal Eagles Down there, are Just as much to blame as Ronald and Misty is, In Loosing Haleigh, You All took to Long, and The Case has More than gone Cold, It’s Down right Freezing now, I Doubt that you will ever find this Child! EVER!!!! you played to Long with the Criminals! All of them, Ron, His Child Bride, His Mommy, Her Mommy, the Lot of them, Their All No GOOD!
Find HALEIGH, ” If You Still CAN!!! ”
Thats All I got to say I’m Sick of all this Hog WASH!
March 27th, 2010 at 4:12 am
I don’t know what is worse, your bad tann or this article. You must think folks are stupid.
What does “Staubs claimed he was suspicions” mean?
“including a statement from an insurance agent we watched Staubs phone”. You call yourself a PI? HTH does watching a phone call equate to bearing witness? You watched him make a phone call? What number did he dial? Who did he talk to? How can Chuck give him permission, when according to you, Chuck can’t operate as a bondsman so how can he authorize a pickup?
Why not discuss that Cobra’s bond letter you posted is from 2006? If he had active coverage from a legit source, post the endorsement letter from 2009.
Do you by any chance have twins named John D. and Lucy Lu?
You all make a farce out of this missing child case.
March 30th, 2010 at 1:31 am
Dang, we all have guilty knowledge although some would never admit it.
Was this ‘Fuzzy Bear?’
A Vigilant?
Got no ‘legal education’ to pursue his dreams?
Yet a good man doin’ the best with what he know’s ‘it’s all about?’
Just a guess and reminds me of a ‘Chess Playing Cat.’
But, of course you are ‘all that’ Art…
Well guess Moms will be more on ‘gardner’ of who they leave in charge, to watch their kids while they make a few bucks more to pay ‘a nanny’…or ‘a teenage sitter’…or even a ‘Childcare Center.’
March 31st, 2010 at 4:30 pm
You know Art that guys like Cobra and Leonard Padilla give private Investigators a bad name.
My Family and friends have used PI”s for various resons and the best in Florida is a guy named Jimmy Farrell of Farrell Investigation Inc. This guy is an ex U.S. Marshal and he has conducted criminal investigations for the defense in death penalty cases and this guy can locate anyone.
Cobra and Padilla can’t find their butts with both hands. They are both jokes. They look for fame and fortune.
This guy Farrell doesn’t even advertise and works from his residence and he is the best and yes he goes into bad areas.
Good riddens to Cobra and Padilla they just want money and fame from these childrens lives that have been lost.
April 28th, 2010 at 7:29 am
Cobra was NOT in it for Haleigh. That is a lie. Cobra is for Cobra.