Beginning the first of 2010, local law enforcement will conduct a round up of those owing blue sheet fines and other fees.

“The office of Minden City Court, in cooperation with the Minden Police Department, is in the process of pursuing warrants for outstanding fines/costs on blue sheets and for civil costs remaining unpaid,” said City Judge John C. Campbell.

Minden City Court regularly sends out letters as a courtesy and last chance warning to pay or be arrested and held until all dues are paid.

“Failure to receive this courtesy letter because of inadequate or incorrect address is not an excuse for failing to pay as ordered,” said Campbell.

The judge said the round up will also include those who have failed to complete any court-ordered community service work, Anger Management or Theft Diversion classes within the specified time shown on their sentencing order.

“If the amounts remain unpaid, a request for suspension of driver’s license will be filed with the State of Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles,” said Campbell. This will create an additional cost of $100 to be paid to the DMV before driving privileges are reinstated.”

Campbell said if the defendant does not have the money to pay at the time of arrest, he/she will be ordered to serve the original suspended jail sentence. This can range anywhere between 10 to 180 days.

“We will be in the process of preparing arrest warrants and readying for this operation over the next few weeks and will be in full swing shortly after the first of the year,” said Campbell.

Minden Police Chief T.C. Bloxom said in many instances, Judge Campbell allows those who owe a fine additional time to pay.

“The judge trusts them to pay their fine during that time, and many do,” said Bloxom. “But, I believe some intentionally don’t pay the fine and try to disappear on us.”

Bloxom advises those who have an outstanding fine to take care of the issue prior to the round up.

“This is a warning to those who have unpaid blue sheets or warrants,” said Bloxom. “I advise them to come in and get it paid before we start rounding them up because by then, it will be too late — they will be arrested and brought back before the judge.”

Chief Bloxom said he is confident that the first-of-the-year round up will be as successful as a similar program conducted by the Dixie Inn Police Department in November.

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