From Deseret News archives:
Shurtleff lobbying Mexico to pardon reality TV's 'Dog'
"He wants to make sure that justice is served," Utah Attorney General's spokesman Paul Murphy said Friday. "I don't think he's asking for special consideration because he's 'Dog,' he thinks that there's a big issue of justice here."
Chapman's exploits as a bail bondsman in Hawaii are featured on the popular A&E cable show, "Dog The Bounty Hunter." The show focuses on Chapman and his wife, Beth, as they round up people who skip court dates and jump bail.
Chapman is most famous for his capture of Andrew Luster, the heir to the Max Factor cosmetics fortune. Accused of being a serial rapist, Luster fled the country during his 2003 trial and was convicted in absentia. Chapman tracked Luster down in Mexico. Luster is now serving a 124-year sentence in a California prison.
The capture landed "Dog," his son Leland, and colleague Timothy Chapman in trouble with the Mexican government. Bounty hunting is illegal in Mexico.
After posting bail, they were freed. Mexican prosecutors now want to bring them back to the country to face charges.
The extradition problems surrounding "Dog" are being played out on his reality TV show. He is also getting support from Internet petitions, a "Dog Defense Fund" that has raised $25,000 for his legal defense, the Hawaii state legislature and politicians like Shurtleff.
Utah's attorney general admits to being a big fan of the show, but also believes bounty hunters play a role in the justice system by apprehending fugitives.
While attending an event promoting the U.S. Department of Justice's anti-child porn initiative "Project Safe Childhood" on Thursday, Shurtleff mentioned "hanging out" with Chapman. On Friday, Shurtleff was declining interview requests about the meeting.
"We've decided not to talk until we are able to work things out Mexican authorities," Murphy said.
E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com
