Testimony began Tuesday in the corruption trial of Milton Tillman Jr., a prominent Baltimore bondsman accused of posting the same property to cover bail for several criminal defendants.
Defense attorney Dwight Pettit characterized Tillman as an honest minority businessman unfairly targeted because he was successful. Tillman is being tried along with his son, Milton Tillman III, and bondsman Bernard Dixon, all part of a legitimate effort to “make a living for themselves,” Pettit said.
“He?s got to be doing wrong, because he?s making money,” Pettit said. “So they take everything but the kitchen sink, and the kitchen sink.”
The case highlights a lack of oversight with the state?s bond laws, which require bondsmen to collect at least 10 percent of collateral from defendants but don?t verify payment. Officials said the state also lacks a uniform system to confirm information when a owner posts property in lieu of cash for bail.
Monday, assistant state?s attorney Elizabeth Ritter suggested Tillman controlled the scheme.
Much of the trial ? which is expected to take at least 14 days and could include high-profile witnesses including two judges and Clerk of the Circuit Court Frank M. Conaway Sr. ? will focus on a $1 million bond Dixon backed for accused drug dealer Antoine Cash. Edward Smith Jr., Dixon?s attorney, said none of the company?s clients failed to show for trial.
“The state did not lose any money, not a dime, not a penny, on any of the bonds that the Tillmans posted,” Smith said.
Earlier Tuesday, defense attorney Steven Allen, who is representing Tillman?s son, asked Judge Brooke Murdoch to recuse herself because the judge is familiar with potential witnesses, presenting a possible conflict of interest. Murdoch denied the motion.
