By Roger McKinney
rmckinney@joplinglobe.com
COLUMBUS, Kan. — An Oklahoma bail bondsman is wanted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department after failing to show up for a court appearance recently.
An arrest warrant was issued for Gregory Alex Sawin, 34, of Vinita, Okla., after he failed to appear in Cherokee County District Court on March 22 on misdemeanor charges of criminal restraint, assault and impersonating police.
Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves said the initial charges stem from an incident on June 28, 2009. He said Sawin allegedly entered a house east of Baxter Springs along U.S. Highway 166, which was the wrong house, and allegedly detained a male resident while the house was searched.
Sawin allegedly was carrying a pepper ball gun during the incident, which Groves said is like a paintball gun but shoots balls that dispense pepper spray. Groves also said there is no allegation that Sawin used the gun.
The police impersonation charge alleges Sawin was wearing what Groves described as a tactical vest with the word “police” printed on it.
Groves said it is wrong for bail bondsmen to invade the privacy of anyone other than known fugitives.
“This man was sitting in his home minding his own business,” Groves said. “Their lives shouldn’t be disrupted like that.”
At a previous court appearance when Sawin did appear, he showed up wearing what appeared to be a police badge around his neck.
Groves said his department typically has good relations with bail bondsmen.
Wanted Man
Gregory Alex Sawin is listed among the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department’s most wanted on the department Web site at www.cherokeecountykssheriff.com.
