TV bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman’s “leash” may be cut by the end of next month. (Read my previous blog about Chapman’s arrest to get up to speed on “Dog’s” current dilemma.) The result may be less growling on “Dog’s” part. According to the latest news reports, Chapman’s attorneys are try to construct a deal to avoid his extradition to Mexico to faces charges of illegal detention and conspiracy in his capture of a cosmetics company heir there three years ago. (F.Y.I. Bounty hunting is a crime in Mexico.)
This entire episode—and I don’t mean that facetiously—Chapman’s recent arrest and subsequent jailing was filmed and will air as a part of his reality TV show “Dog The Bounty Hunter” all started last week when authorities hauled Chapman, his son, and an associate into a federal detention center in Hawaii. The trio had captured convicted rapist Andrew Luster, the Max Factor heir, on June 18, 2003, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. But as luck would have it their “good deed” landed them in a Mexican jail as well. According to published reports, after being arrested by Mexican authorities Chapman posted about $1,300 for his release, and based on “flawed legal advice” thought he could leave the country and Mexican authorities would drop the charges. Unfortunately, three years after the incident we have all learned (through Chapman’s highly publicized arrest in Hawaii) that is simply is not the case.
AS it stands now, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has until October 16th to file papers in support of their extradition, but Chapman’s attorney, just announced that he has a plan that will hopefully resolve the issue before then. According to his attorney, Chapman has agreed to offer an apology, pay a fine, forfeit the bail he posted in Mexico and make a charitable contribution.
“What he’s prepared to do is take responsibility for not having to stay around to face the charge,” Chapman’s attorney told local reporter yesterday.
With all the publicity surrounding this case and the outrage it has caused among Chapman’s legions of fans, I would not be surprised if the Mexican authorities accepted “Dog’s” deal. If nothing else Chapman can rest easy knowing that his latest brouhaha will likely equate into a ratings bonanza once his arrest episodes hit the airwaves.