CALIFORNIA - Fugitive professor posts bail

OFF THE WIRE
San Bernardino County sheriff's investigators were described as "frustrated" and "surprised" after a fugitive professor they considered armed and dangerous was able to post a bail bond this week and remain free until a Nov. 10 court date.
Authorities had sought Steve Kinzey, 43, a professor of kinesiology at Cal State San Bernardino, since they searched his Highland home Aug. 26 and said they found loaded rifles and more than a pound of methamphetamine.
Inve stigators said at a Sept. 1 news conference that they believe Kinzey operated a methamphetamine-sales ring out of his home, and that 10 other people were involved. His live-in girlfriend, Holly Robinson, and six others have been arrested.
On Tuesday, a bondsman posted $300,000 bond at Superior Court in San Bernardino, court records show. That nullified the arrest warrant, sheriff's spokeswoman Jodi Miller said.
Kinzey is due in court Nov. 10 for an arraignment.
The bond amount was based on a standard schedule that takes into account the pending charges, Miller said. Kinzey has been charged with five felonies: possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property, participating in a criminal street gang, conspiracy and possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm.
Kinzey is president of the local chapter of the Devils Diciples motorcycle club, a nationwide club that Sgt. Jason Rosenbaum said sells illegal drugs and uses violence to intimidate people.
Had Kinzey been arrested or turned himself in, Miller said, a hearing would have been held where authorities could have asked a judge to hold Kinzey without bond -- a written agreement -- or bail.
"Having gone about it the way that he did, that bail hearing did not occur," Miller said. "That's how he was able to now be out on bail."
Detectives learned about the bond Wednesday while reviewing the case, Miller said.
"I would say that the detectives involved in the case are obviously frustrated," Miller said. "The detectives were surprised to find that happened."
Kinzey could not be reached by phone for comment at his home; his voice mailbox was full.

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