MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) — Four men were arrested Thursday after being accused of acting outside the legal authority of bail bondsmen’s duties.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Alexander Michael Rispa, 43, Luis Angel Hernandez Salas, 34, Eduardo Francisco Caceres, 47, and Juan Carlos Soto Arraga, 30, were arrested after an investigation.

On May 14, a detective with the Department of Financial Services contacted FDLE Miami regarding a bail bonds company operating in Monroe and Miami-Dade counties, which was conducting business outside the authority granted by Florida statute.

FDLE, along with the Florida Department of Financial Services, launched an investigation that revealed on Jan. 1, 2022, that Rispa, Caceres, and Hernandez Salas were entering victims’ homes with firearms, removing them from the residence without a proper appointment, and then transporting them to the warrant-issuing agency.

The investigation also revealed that during the incidents, all three men were wearing badges and body armor with the word “Agent” on them, which is in direct violation of Florida statute.

Appointment records from Rispa and Hernandez Salas’ insurance company revealed that they were not appointed on the dates the crimes occurred.

FDLE said that between May 2023 and January 2024, Soto Arraga, who is not a licensed or appointed Florida bail bond agent, had made unlawful contact with multiple inmates in Monroe County.

On Sept. 16, Rispa, Hernandez Salas and Soto Arraga turned themselves in to the Monroe County Jail. A day later, Caceres turned himself in at the FDLE Miami Regional Operations Center.

According to FDLE, all four men are facing charges of armed kidnapping and battery; violating the Florida Communication Fraud Act; a scheme to defraud; unlawful use of a two-way communication device; violation of licensure and appointment; solicitation; and conspiracy.