Poster child for Florida tourism.....

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A New Port Richey, Florida man with a tattoo of the state on his face was arrested for marijuana possession.

According to police, 22-year-old Matthew Leatham was arrested early Sunday morning after he “called 911 to find a ride home,” according to a court complaint which notes Leatham “cursed at the call taker during the call.”

The arresting officer said he offered to call Leatham a taxi, but Leatham said he didn’t have money and began walking home.

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Leatham then called 911 a second time to ask for a ride, the complaint states, and the officer arrested him.

A mugshot obtained by sister station WFLA shows Leatham’s black facial tattoo of the Sunshine State.

Leatham was charged with misuse of the 911 system as well as possession of marijuana.

He was released on $300 bond.

LINK: https://wgntv.com/news/man-wit...arijuana-possession/

No money for a taxi, but $300 for bail?

quote:

Originally posted by John Steed:
but $300 for bail?

He's probably only out $30. 10% for the bondsman, who puts up the rest.

A real prize, that one.

Of all the tats he could have had, this is what he chose?

Pretty mild scenario for Florida Man.....

Deserves a smack right up side the panhandle

At least he voluntarily chose to identify himself to others as Florida Man.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by John Steed:
but $300 for bail?

He's probably only out $30. 10% for the bondsman, who puts up the rest.

I've never had occasion to interact professionally with a bondsman, but I think the $30 is a non-returnable fee paid for the loan of the bond. The bondsman puts up the entire bond. When you show up for trial, the bondsman gets it back, he keeps the 10% fee for his trouble and the risk.

As I said, this is how I understand it, but I may well be off on how it works. If this isn't the case, would someone who knows better enlighten us?

That's correct. The point is, Florida Man would only be paying the 10% ($30) to get out of jail, not the 100% ($300).

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
That's correct. The point is, Florida Man would only be paying the 10% ($30) to get out of jail, not the 100% ($300).

Thanks. Not to mention that I'd be willing to bet there are plenty of taxi/uber drivers who would have been happy to give him a ride home for a little taste.

When I tossed deserving customers into the jug who claimed to have no money, the bail was often pretty steep. They then were fairly quickly taken before the judge and our courts pre sentence investigation unit. They were then released O.R. providing the charge was not too serious and they had verifiable ID and address.
O.R. = Own Recognizance.
No cash needed.

About ten years ago bail consisted of 20 bucks and a toaster. The community eventually became tired of repeat offenders committing more petty crimes and tightened up the bail requirements. The bondsman here have nice little trailers within a mile of the county jail and are on call 24/7.

Are we sure the tattoo was voluntary? Maybe some police department in Georgia or Alabama had it done for him, kind of as a "heads up" for the next department that had to deal with him.

Hopefully a photo array will NOT be needed!!

If you want to get a feel for how bail bonding works, watch the documentary film, "Jackie Brown."

Par for the course in FL.

I bet he makes his mama proud.

quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
Of all the tats he could have had, this is what he chose?

It’s a map so he can find his way home!

Is there a better way to show everyone you make terrible life decisions than a face tattoo.