Duane 'Dog' Chapman Proud of How He Got His Luster
Back in February, I met and interviewed Duane "Dog" Chapman when he was in Las Vegas to attend the Professional Bail Agents of the United States convention at the Luxor. Maybe, that "United States" part of this organization's name should have meant more to him. Chapman proudly told the audience and me in an interview beforehand about his 2003 successful capture in Mexico of Andrew Luster, a fugitive cosmetics heir convicted of rape in this country.
Chapman described this hunt as the challenge that brought out the best and the brightest bounty hunters and proved his preeminence in this field. Chapman had this to say to me about arresting Luster in Febuary: "When he took off, every bounty hunter in the country was looking for him, and the title then was on the line. When the title was on the line, it was very important that I capture him. We captured him." Of course, that capture was in Mexico and not the United States.
Dog admitted to me that more than a few of his competitors have been jealous of him since capturing Luster made him famous. But his colleagues didn't just feel jealous. Dog's reckless image and biker outfits seemed out of step with the rest of the bounty hunters at the Vegas convention who preferred to be called "fugitive recovery agents," wore suits, and talked to me about the latest technological and computer methods of their trade. To those folks, Luster's arrest in Mexico was a classic example of Chapman's Rambo mentality and they were quick to point out the result was that Mexican authorities arrested Chapman and his crew.
After some time in a cell, Chapman and company posted bond and left. Now, apparently, Mexico wants Chapman back and has declared the bounty hunter a fugitive from Mexican justice; the result was Dog's arrest yesterday in Hawaii by a U.S. marshall.
When I spoke to him in February, Chapman was hardly of the mind to give up international bounty hunting. When I asked him who he most wanted to go after next, he didn't even pause before answering: Osama bin Laden. I just hope bin Laden's cave doesn't turn out to be in Mexico.
(Photo: Sarah Gerke / For The Times)
The Dog is a great guy,he will keep doing great work!!
Posted by: connie owen | September 17, 2006 at 08:03 PM
How much did Luster pay to get the US TAXPAYER to harass Chapman on behalf of a corrupt country?
Shame on the US government.
Posted by: salli | September 17, 2006 at 08:57 PM
are bail jumpers lower then bounty hunters?
Posted by: matt | September 17, 2006 at 10:03 PM
Shame on the US gov't. They know how corrupt the Mexicans are, yet we hang our own out to dry there.
Go find the missing / kidnapped US tourist in Tijuana first. Guess how many times have I been stopped in MEXICO by a cop for a "traffic violation"? The dirty cop there just want a $20 bribe. This was the ensenada-rosarito bike ride.
Who was the judge that signed this? I will write a personal letter to that dunce.
Posted by: EODUSA | September 18, 2006 at 11:44 AM
What's going on in this country when an American hero has to go to another country to capture a pig that the U.S. can't seem to get their mits on? And to boot...sending him back to Mexico? NO WAY - Dog, Leland and Tim did our country a justice by serving the U.S. in capturing this animal - they did the hard work and now to penalized them for it? I'm so utterly disgusted with this situation - if the U.S. sends him to Mexico - I'll have to completely change my views of our beautiful country in that...c'mon - the men did the work - although they are not politicians (thank God for that) they should be awarded - not penalized!!
We're BOYCOTTING Mexico at this point and will forever - no more cruises - no more trips - no more buying Mexican made crap!~
FREE THE DOG, LELAND AND TIM - hang in there Beth - we love you:-)
Posted by: laura | September 18, 2006 at 02:49 PM
My name is Tyler Rothenburger I heard about what happened to dog and his family and It is not right what the american and mexican authorities are doing to him.so bush I demand your government drop all charges against the dog and his family.let the dog and crew get back to work arresting fugitives.I say fuck the mexican government.We need to get all charges dropped anybody that feels the same way let me know.
Loyal Dog Fan
Tyler
Posted by: Tyler Rothenburger | September 18, 2006 at 09:06 PM
Contrary to what some people say, the Department of Justice doesn't have to extradite "Dog" to Mexico. Here is a link to an article that proves it (it quotes the extradition treaty between the U.S. and Mexico):
http://www.geocities.com/readerswrite/commentaries/Blessings_of_the_Liberty.htm#Add2
It's outrageous that the U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales goes after good Americans while millions of Mexican illegals violate this country as they please.
Posted by: A Reader | September 19, 2006 at 09:27 AM
This is really bad looking for Bush , Dog Chapman did exactly what Pres Bush Would want if this was Bin Laden, So you are telling me That the USA would give Dog Chapman Back to Mexico lets say if Dog caught him in Mexico???? Thats what they are saying right. Dog arrested a Rapist! Plain and simple , A convicted rapist, Mexico should just turn there cheek! every day there people break our laws ! EVERY DAY, Just look at the Border! I am soooooo sick of this and i would protest the steps of the US court systom if this gos on. USA should back Dog chapman up! Just think if this was osama bin laden , Would we give him back for that arrest? A felony is a felony Plain and simple! SHAME ON YOU MEXICO ! And Cortez with your comments and Last name i can tell how racist you are already!
Posted by: Tj | September 19, 2006 at 02:07 PM
It makes me sick what passes for an American hero nowadays. Chapman knowingly violated Mexican law and should be held accountable for his actions just like everyone else.
I'll save my concern for the true American heroes: the young men and women that fight for our country and do it without seeking fame, money and glory.
Posted by: Ginny | September 19, 2006 at 04:02 PM
I have watched dogs show for ever and i dont understand why this case is being brought up three years later but what dog and his posse did was acceptable and the people who thinks it was wrong just needs to think about what if it was there daughter or wife getting abused and molested by him they wouldnt like that but anyways i just love dog and his whole posse and all i have to say is dog and the rest of the family stay positive and i really do love you guys!!! p.s. i think leland is really hot!!!
~Nikki~
Posted by: Nikki | September 19, 2006 at 08:08 PM
WOW,i didn't realize our serial rapist was convicted on 67 out of 68 charges! I say whatever it took! Plus look at what they found when Dog caught Lester.MORE date rape drugs and a diary with a list of all the people he's gonna get even with,the women he already raped!!.You feds in Mexico should be kissing Dogs a#*! It was just a matter of time before he raped mexican women if he hasn't already..SHAME ON YOU!!!
Look at the peace of mind the women who were raped here in the USA got when Lester was caught!
Look,Dog already lost the $2 million dollar bounty and that should be that plus he's been locked up twice for this,once in Mexico and a federal prison here..I say enuf already fine paid and time served.
HOWEVER i wouldn't be a bit shocked for our gov't to expedite Dog back to Mexico,nothing they do shocks me anymore..
I personally will be buying stuff off of Dog's site to help support his cause.
God Bless the man and his family.
Posted by: BrendaS | September 20, 2006 at 06:29 AM
Luster is now rotting in a US jail cell for his crimes of rape and perversion so WHO would Mexico call to the stand as its "victim" of kidnapping?
Dog deserves a medal for going to Mexico and getting this guy who, by the way, is a US citizen, NOT a citizen of Mexico.
I guess its a good thing for all of us that Scott Peterson didn't make it over the border huh? Mexico apparently just LOVES to hang onto our criminals!
Posted by: Sydney | September 23, 2006 at 05:09 PM
Right on Sydney!
If Scott Peterson had make it over the border and Dog got him do you think in that high profile case
with the baby and all, that our Gov't would have minded bending the law??
ALso Dog was told by the "law" there as long as he didn't return to Mexico to not worry about it.
I guess he didn't grease the right palms!
Posted by: BrendaS | September 24, 2006 at 06:07 AM
What is this world coming to!!! The good guys are going to jail. What about our border guards? Now our government wants to send them to jail for 30 years. Why the hell are we playing games with the corrupt government of Mexico? Tell them to go to hell, I am ashamed to be an American. Good Luck Dog, you did a service to your country to bad the idiots in Washington don't see it that way. If they sell you out, the country will be in an uproar. Suanne Mclaughlin
Posted by: Suanne Mclaughlin | September 27, 2006 at 06:29 AM
Tj, Cortez, other miscellaneous Dog haters:
Your issue seems to be that Dog broke the law while in Mexico. If a little girl was drowning in the harbor on Sunday afternoon and there was a sign by the pier saying "Sunday Swimmers Will Be Prosecuted", would you let the kid drown? Unless you're a morally vacant piece of filth, the answer is "HELL NO!", because the child's safety is more important, and upholding the law in this case is more damaging than breaking it.
Dog broke a law the Mexican Authorities have which basically caters to the essentially corrupt and self-serving core of the Mexican nation. He did so and probably prevented countless more date rapes that he could easily shrug off responsibility for by paying of the scum Mexico calls their lawmen with the money he has from the Max Factor dynasty.
Clearly Max Factor, as I will henceforth refer to as the MF'er, pulled some major strings to get this family served on a platter. I say don't turn over Dog until Mexico answers for all of America's sons and daughters kidnapped, held ransom and murdered in Mexican police custody.
Posted by: No_Illusions_Whatsoever | September 27, 2006 at 08:00 PM
This whole thing is looking more and more like extortion,1st they wait 3 years.Then there is talk of a trade,the Dog for a drug lord and Dog loses the bail and bounty and now it looks like he'll have to pay them money for his freedom.
Although i hope they leave him alone when is OUR Gov't gonna step in and say no you can't have Dog and get on with it,the same way we don't deal with terrorists! Anyone have any links to authorities to contact?
Posted by: BrendaS | September 28, 2006 at 05:58 AM
Has anybody heard about any protest? I had heard that a protest had been planned for Sept. 27th but then the day came and went and I heard nothing. In fact, I have heard no news whatsoever as to the Chapmans' fates for many days now. Anyone who has newer info please let us know.
BTW, I heard an anecdote from a friend whose son has travelled through Mexico lots of times. He got pulled over for speeding and the cop has his radar gun plugged into the sand. All was good though, because 20 american dollars later he was free to go.
Some people driving across Mexico get pulled over and taxed 14 or more times before their travelling is done.
Posted by: No_Illusions_Whatsoever | September 29, 2006 at 02:02 PM
Here's a link.Theres a petition,a way to help with legal fees and alot more.Great site!
Please encourage everyone to sign the petition!
Also up to date info.
FREE THE DOG!
I LOVE the letter sent by Congressman Tom Tancredo,he's pointe out what we have and alot more.
Posted by: BrendaS | September 30, 2006 at 09:56 AM
http://www.dogthebountyhunter.com/fanclub/Club/FreeTheDog.php
Posted by: BrendaS | September 30, 2006 at 09:56 AM
Hey Dog supporters-we're almost at the 200,000 mark in the petition.
The link is in my last message!!!
I think it's time to ban Mexico AND Hawaii and everything that comes from there..It appears the Mexican Gov't is pushing this as the statue of limitations should be up.
Now theres a hearing here(USA) in November according to a interview Dog and Beth did with Rita awhile back.
DON'T VACATION IN MEXICO OR HAWAII OR BUY THEIR CRAP!!
I AM PISSED!
Posted by: Grandma Brenda | October 09, 2006 at 06:41 PM
Dog is a piece of trash and the rest of his crew. Dog is egotistical hypacritacle. He says he makes bounty's in the name of the Lord well I do not think the Lord would appreciate the language him and his pig wife use while capturing the bounty's. Dog should take his worthless but back to Mexico and do his time. Hopefully the Mexican's will give him the beat down he deserves. Dog is so phony a pop Thorson he's not. I hope he rots in a Mexican Prison. So long trash.
Posted by: Dennis Reed | October 26, 2006 at 03:29 PM
Dennis,
You castigate Dog for getting emotional and cussing, and then in the same breath refer to a man's wife as a pig. Dog has shown compassion and a genuine desire to see the people he pursues seek reform. Also, 'hypacritacle'? It's called a spellchecker, and you should seriously try using one. As for your obscure reference to 'Thunder Afloat', Wallace Beery was an ACTOR. Jackie Cooper, who worked with Beery in several films, called him in his autobiography "the most sadistic person I have ever known". Child actress Margaret O'Brien also worked with Beery, and ultimately had to be protected by crew members from Beery's insistence on constantly pinching her. I get the feeling you just may have done a little time yourself, since you dislike Chapman so much. Care to field that one?
Posted by: no_illusions_whatsoever | November 08, 2006 at 06:38 PM
Does anyone know if Dog and his crew will be attending this years bail bonds convention in Vegas in February?
Posted by: Anastasia | November 13, 2006 at 09:00 AM
I am so happy to see that "what goes around, comes around!"
Good luck Dog, I hope you go to jail in Mexico!
That would be sooooooo funny!
Posted by: Pedro de Pacas | February 16, 2007 at 09:16 AM
I truly feel for the Chapman family and hope that they know that there are people out here still praying for them. I wish my family was as close as theirs. I am trying very hard to raise my two children with the same faith as the chapman family seems to have and to let my children know that I care for them no matter what they do. That praying for other people is the greatest gift that you can give anyone. So we have been praying for the chapman family every night!!!
Posted by: Dana | February 20, 2007 at 08:35 PM