INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner has formally revoked the bail agent license for Kevin Watkins, an Indianapolis bail bondsmen accused of murdering two teens.
PREVIOUS | Bail bondsman accused of Christmas Eve murder of two teens
According to documents obtained by Call 6 Investigates, Commissioner Stephen Robertson signed an order on February 10, effectively revoking Watkins' bail agent license.
Watkins’ arrest for murder is grounds for license revocation, and Indiana code requires license applicants to “be of good moral character,” according to the order.
Watkins failed to file a written response to allegations against him, court documents show.
It is possible Watkins could become a licensed bail agent once again, as the license revocation is not permanent and Watkins can reapply.
“However, that license application can be denied if the Commissioner finds that the applicant has not met the conditions for licensure laid out in the statute,” Jenifer Groth, spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Insurance said.
“Among these conditions, the applicant must show good moral character and fitness to carry a bail license. Given that the Commissioner found as recently as last week that he did not meet those conditions, Mr. Watkins would carry the burden of showing that he is now of good moral character or is otherwise fit to carry a license (as well as meet all the other conditions in the statute).”
Kevin Watkins has been arrested twice, in 2006 and in 2013, but the criminal charges didn’t stick either time.
CALL 6 | Criminal charges didn't stick in previous bail bondsman arrests
If Watkins is found guilty of the felony charges currently pending against him, he is prohibited from obtaining a license for 10 years after the conclusion of his imprisonment, parole, or probation, whichever is later, according to Groth.
“At that conclusion, he would need to reapply for a license and show that he has met all of the conditions for licensure set forth in the statute, including (but not limited to) having good moral character and fitness to carry a bail license,” Groth said.
Watkins' bail agent license was suspended in 2002 due to a tax lien.
In 2006, after he cleared up the tax lien, he applied for a new license and another criminal background check was performed before his license was approved, according to Groth.
Bail agents are required to complete 6 hours of Continuing Education and pay a licensing fee of $600 every 2 years.
IDOI does periodic audits of bail agents to ensure compliance with Indiana Bail laws. Watkins was last audited on September 26, 2013.
Records indicate IDOI has completed two investigations on Watkins, one in 2009 and one in 2011, according to Groth.
The 2009 investigation was for failure to timely file a report. The issue was resolved and the complaint closed without action, according to IDOI.
In 2011, a consumer filed a complaint against Watkins alleging he failed to refund a bail bond.
The investigation determined the bail agent was not responsible for refunding the bond. The complaint was closed without action.
PREVIOUS | State suspends bail agent's license following murder charge
------------
Sign up to have the latest news headlines delivered straight to your email inbox
