Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Ventura County Sheriff Investigators finished an 18 month investigation into Biker Bail Bonds with the arrest of its owner, Brian Gooch, and one of his bail agents, Tracy Ward.

In July of 2012, The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received several complaints that Biker Bail bonds was operating illegally and using questionable business practices. Ventura County Sheriff’s investigators along with the California Department of Insurance conducted a lengthy investigation which included serving several search warrants at Biker Bail Bonds and the residences of Brian Gooch and Tracy Ward. Investigators found evidence of stolen bail bonds along with over a hundred instances where Ward illegally negotiated and/or issued bails bonds without a license at the direction of Gooch. Gooch was arrested on December 11th and Ward was arrested on December 17th for conducting bail transactions without a license. Both Gooch and Ward were booked into the Ventura County Jail. Both were released on bail.

Nature of Incident: Bail Bond Company Owner and Agent arrested.
Report Number: 12-17581
Location: 51 S Victoria, Ventura, Ca
Date & Time: 12-17-2013
Prepared by: Sergeant Bill Schierman
Media Release Date: 12-23-2013
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Bill Schierman 805-383-8729
Approved by: Captain C. Dunn

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).