Zap2it TV Listings Zap2it Movie Showtimes Zap2it On-Demand Guide
WHAT TO WATCH

Dog the Bounty Hunter's Charges Dropped

Duane Chapman still may face charges if ruling is appealed

August 2, 2007

Duane 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Chapman
Duane 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Chapman
The dog just may have a new leash on life.

Duane "Dog" Chapman, his son Leland Chapman and fellow bounty hunter Tim Chapman (no relation) have had the Mexican charges dropped against them after they tracked down and apprehended a convicted criminal in Puerto Vallarta in 2003, reports TMZ.com.

The dog and his pack aren't out of the woods just yet though.

"Earlier this week the First Criminal Court in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico dismissed all charges against Dog, Tim and Leland Chapman due to the expiration of the statute of limitations on the criminal counts pending against them," reads a statement A&E, the network that airs the popular "Dog the Bounty Hunter" show, gave to TMZ. "The order effectively cancelled all pending charges. The ruling is, however, subject to appeal by the prosecution in Puerto Vallarta. If an appeal is sought, it must be filed by Wednesday, August 8th. Our thoughts and best wishes are with the Chapman family as they await the prosecution's decision. More information will be posted on AETV.com as it becomes available."

The various Chapmans were arrested in Hawaii in September 2006 on kidnapping charges dating back to 2003 when the bounty hunters went down to Mexico to capture Max Factor heir Andrew Luster, who was on the run for several months evading multiple counts of rape. Mexican authorities wanted Luster handed over to them, denied Chapman and his gang permission to leave the country, declared them fugitives from justice and tried to get them extradited to Mexico for sentencing.

The Chapmans, who had been charged with deprivation of liberty due to Mexico's anti-bounty hunting laws, quickly posted bail and have been facing extradition ever since. Luster is currently in jail serving a 124-year term.

Fall TV

What's new, what's coming back and what to watch.


Emmy Awards

Find everything you need to know about the 2008 Primetime Emmy Awards.


Pick your favorite channels

Customize our TV listings to show only the channels you care about.


Get Zap2it delivered

Sign up for our new daily e-mail newsletter so you'll always know what to watch and where to watch it.

Photo galleries

The Best Gay BFFs on TV

Grammy Nomination Concert

Top 25 X-Mas Movies To Catch on TV

18th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards

'Cadillac Records'

More photo galleries »

Most Viewed Stories

It Happened Last Night

Television Without Pity