Rising Stars: Meet Judy Skelley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Judy Skelley.  

Hi Judy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi, I have been an Ohio female Fugitive Recovery Agent and bailbond agent since 2010. We are licensed through Ohio Department of Insurance. We are essentially surety insurance agents with ability to arrest. When someone is accused of a crime, they get a signature bond or a Cash or surety bond to get out of jail. If the individual skips court, the whole bond can be called in by the judge and ask to be paid in full or produce the skip. The Fugitive recovery agent has to find the skip. The individual out on bond signs off their legal rights and agrees to let us search their properties and hunt them if they skip court. Because they sign off their rights, that gives us ability to kick doors in if needed. 

When someone skips court, The judge issues a warrant and a certain amount of time to find them. I as a fugitive recovery agent have to hunt them down and arrest them and bring them back to the court. This is the most interesting part of the job. I have years of crazy stories of how people have tried to hide from us. They have tried to hide in closets, attics, and basements but we find them. It is a lot of diligent hard work and surveillance tracking them. As a licensed Bondsman in Ohio, you can hunt fugitives throughout the whole state. This is a dangerous job, and I have been threatened multiple times. It is not a job for everyone. 

It is when they fail to appear in court we then have to do whatever is necessary to find them and bring back to court. If we do not find them the court will expect our insurance agency to pay the whole bond in full. Needless to say, we usually just hunt them, so our company does not have to pay in full. We also hunt them and bring back to court at no cost to the taxpayers. 

I think most people do not understand how bonds work or how the court system works. It is important to understand in case you are ever in need of a bond, you are innocent until proven guilty if is often important to be able to get out on bond and be able to help prepare your defense… Insurance companies often hire fugitive recovery agents to hunt their skips. Essentially, every day an Ohio agent is looking for individuals that have skipped court and doing it at no cost to Ohio taxpayers. 

My son is licensed also and hunts with me; he has grown up in the business and has natural tracking abilities. It is a gift to be able to work with him and continue to try to keep Ohio proud of the work we do. He is Ohio’s youngest fugitive recovery agent. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am a female in primarily dominated man’s field. I try to use every advantage I have, including not looking like a typical agent. I try to treat people with respect and get respect. It is not always easy, and levels of control at times have to be used. We have had to chase people through fields. It is important to stay in the best shape possible to be the best fugitive recovery agent. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Ohio Fugitive Recovery Agent I am a 1099 subcontractor. I am proud of all the friends I have made through the years. I have assisted agents from all over. I have helped agents from other states as well. I think my hard work ethic and discipline has helped set me apart. I take my job seriously. This line of work is kinda seedy, and not all agents have a good ethical reputation. 

Any big plans?
I have enjoyed over a decade in this field. And also being prior law enforcement. It is such a needed field for women to represent strong positive women. It is always important for me to be a light to others and encourage positive change. I enjoy promoting female empowerment and motivational speaking. Everyone has the same 24/7/ 365 days it is what you do with it. It is your life to make it what you want to. My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11 -For I know the plans I have for you, saith the Lord plans to prosper you and not hate you, plans to give you a future and a hope. If every week you attempt to affect someone with your light after 5 years you have started a fire that will burn forever. Whether it is reaching your fitness goals or just being a positive role model to others. You can achieve and reach your goals making the choice one day at a time and one step at a time. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bailbondgirl
• Facebook: Fugitive Recovery Bailbondgirl

Image Credits
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