PORT ANGELES — The bail for a 26-year-old Port Angeles man on drug and weapons charges was raised to $250,000 Thursday and a bond company is trying to get its money back.
Gerald Neil Walkup’s bail was raised after Casey’s Bail Company filed a motion to exonerate the bond they had already put up for Walkup for his $200,000 bail for drug and weapons charges — before he was arrested Tuesday for investigation of driving on a suspended license.
Superior Court Judge Christopher Melly raised Walkup’s bail on the drug and weapons charges on Thursday, pending a hearing set for next Thursday to determine whether Casey’s Bail Company will get its money back.
“The court doesn’t want to do anything that might put their assets in jeopardy,” Melly said, adding that if Walkup were to be released on bail or bond again, it would put the bondsman’s money at risk.
Walkup, a convicted felon, is charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, heroin and methamphetamine; possession of a stolen firearm; four counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm; and unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon.
He was charged in April after deputies found the largest ball of black tar heroin some had ever seen.
He was arrested Tuesday night for investigation of driving with a suspended license and was held in Clallam County jail by
District Court Judge Rick Porter on Wednesday on a $200,000 bond.
He was arrested April 2 after allegedly fleeing deputies and crashing his vehicle in Gales Addition.
Deputies seized 950 grams of heroin, more than 400 grams of meth, four guns, about 20 cellphones, dozens of car keys, 100 ounces of silver and about $9,000 in cash, according to court records.
Walkup’s trial for the drug and weapons charges was originally scheduled for July 31, but was postponed Thursday until Aug. 21.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.