Riverside Resident Arraigned, Warrant Issued for Co-Defendant in Alleged Kidnapping and Assault Case
**Unlicensed Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent Arraigned for Alleged Kidnapping and Assault in Riverside**
**Warrant Issued for Co-Defendant in Additional Assault and False Imprisonment Incidents**
**RIVERSIDE, Calif. —** Bianca Annette Garcia, 37, of San Jacinto, was arraigned today on multiple felony counts, including kidnapping, false imprisonment, residential burglary, assault, and dissuading a witness. A warrant has been issued for a second defendant, Jesse Adrian Wagner, 49, of Escondido, for similar charges. The California Department of Insurance investigation revealed that Garcia and Wagner allegedly operated as bail fugitive recovery agents without proper authorization.
In August 2022, while employed by a company identified as Fugitive Warrants, Wagner and Garcia forcibly entered a Riverside residence. During the incident, they detained two adult males, one adult female, and a young child. Wagner tased the female victim as she attempted to call 911, placed her in handcuffs, and transported her to a hospital for treatment before booking her into jail.
The California Department of Insurance investigation determined that both individuals were unlawfully working as bail fugitive recovery agents at the time of the incident. Wagner has multiple felony convictions and faces charges in Colorado for similar offenses.
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara sponsored Assembly Bill 2043, which was signed into law in 2023. This legislation mandates that all bail fugitive recovery agents be licensed by the California Department of Insurance. Prior to this law, agents only required training but did not need to be licensed. AB 2043 enforces stringent requirements, including a fingerprint-based background check, an appointment from a licensed bail agent or surety insurer, and a minimum of $1 million liability insurance to protect consumers.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case. Additionally, Wagner faces further felony charges in San Diego County from a separate Department of Insurance investigation. These charges, involving false imprisonment and assault in Oceanside, were filed in June.
