bondsmen in trouble

Former tow truck driver returned to jail

10:04 AM EDT on Thursday, May 3, 2007


A federal judge has sent Joe Pappas, a former private tow truck operator, back to jail for violating the terms of his supervised release.

In the 1990’s, the city and the state shut down his towing operation. He went to prison, for among other things, bank fraud.

Authorities say Pappas was charged with assault and domestic violence in Vermont, involving a loaded 9-milimeter Glock handgun.

Pappas was also going by another name, Vincent Zito and was caught in New Mexico by Federal authorities.

He once scoffed at his grand jury indictment, saying, “A grand jury would indict a ham sandwich.”

FYI.... Zito openly and freely admitted he had a sexual relationship with Churchill and she concurred. I don't know Churchill's history but I will guess Max has correctly listed the facts.

As for misdemeanor charges on Zito... I'm not so sure. He is a federal felon and was in possession of a handgun; a handgun one his agents bought for him, by the way. Last I heard the ATF was investigating.

Zito also "tried" to force himself on a female real estate agent in Manchester, NH during the summer of 2006. He brought her to Montreal on a ruse of helping him apprehend a bail jumper. He told her she would make a lot of money.

The woman complained to local police but there was no rape or actual assault and the matter occured in Canada so there was no crime.

His original contact with her was he wanted her to write bail for him in NH but he couldn't pass the P&C (Property & Casualty) test to get a Surety license so that plan fell by the wayside. Zito continued to advertise that his company can write bail in NH and even tried to have bondsmen here post bail on calls he received but none would deal with him.

His true name just might be Pappas though the feds (FBOP) still have him listed as George Koufos on their website in the inmate locater.

this is an interesting situation no matter how its viewed.

_________________
Lance Allen Wilkinson
Recoveries by L.A.W.
Serving since 1984
“What is sought is found... what is overlooked escapes” (Oedipus Rex)

I have correctly listed the facts on the Churchill girl. I have met her personally and she is definitely a liar, of this I have no doubt. She claimed her mother sexually abused her, her ex husband tricked her into violating a restraining order, she wss gang raped at a UVM party, and she was homeless and eating squirrel to survive. Of course she could always afford the cigarettes she chain smoked. Her birth father apparently works for the Burlington police. Interestingly enough the night Zito was lodged his vehicle was left at the scene of the incident by the Burlington police and was vandalized. Churchill has since been charged with lying to police officials for falsesly claiming another Vermont Bail Bondsman had attacked her in the Chittendon County Courthouse. She had stuck out her tongue at him and told him she was going to get him and then accused him unlawfully of something he didn't do. Police apparently found out she lied.

I am curious where you found documentation that Zito admitted to having sex with Churchill. I would like to see this if you can direct me to the appropriate source. Though I knew her she never told me this.

As for the misdemeanor, this was a plea bargain that the prosecutor offered Zito. It was a misdemeanor of reckless endangerment. Back then I don't think the prosecutor wanted to take the case to trial given that the witnesses had conflicting stories and they were all drunk at three in the morning on St. Paul St.

This may change in light of what has happened since the original incident back in September. What I find most amusing and troubling about the Vermont portion of the story is the debauchery of the police. Had they done their job to begin with Zito wouldn't have had anything to do with Churchill the night she was pulled over for drunk driving under age. Why would the police call him to come for her when they could have just taken her into custody for breaking the law? There was no need for a bailbondsman to be called.

According FBOP he gets out early 2008.

Thank you for the update. It is always good when the story is followed thru, unfortunately sometimes after we post an article there are is no further info available unless someone is from that area. If a plea is reached it usually does not make National Headlines.
Once again ~ Thank you.

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Do not consider anything for your interest which makes you break your word, quit your modesty, or inclines you to any practice which will not bear the light, or look the world in the face .... Marcus Antonius

I AM Some Folks "KARMA" and A MODERATOR @ FRN

well Luvonda, Max never did give you his sources..he simply stated his own opinions...amazing how he dodged your bullets again..even more amazing you let him get away with it...you are slipping...

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

It is true that he is scheduled for release 2/5/08. The Vermont portion of the story is still pending. Hopefully it won't make news.

If this does make news again, there is a strong possibility that a NH State Representative might become part of the story. She may have embezzled 91k.

Max, where do you get your info from? Are you linked to this case? Just wondering. Thanks.