By PHATLAW Staff

Duane “Dog” Chapman star of the reality t.v. show “Dog the Bounty Hunter” and two of his t.v. sidekicks received a favorable verdict from a criminal court in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico today.  The three had been charged with depravation of liberty in connection with their 2003 capture of fugitive Max Factor heir, Andrew Luster.  Luster was wanted in the U.S. in with connection rape charges when the Dog captured him.  A U.S. Court later convicted Luster and sentenced him to a 124 years in prison.  After apprehending Luster, Dog and his two assistants were arrested by Mexican authorities.  Apparently, Mexico is willing to fight for the freedom of American fugititives within its borders.  Who would have thought they would go to such lengths to attract American tourists?

PhatThought:  Seriously, this case sets a dangerous precedent.  If they can’t escape the reach of American law in the sandy beaches of Mexico, then where will fugitives be safe?

PHATLAW will continue to post the latest developments in this case.