Ann Miller Kontz May Remain In Jail Until Start Of Trial

RALEIGH, N.C. — Ann Miller Kontz can get out of jail for a hefty price, but Ann Miller Kontz spent the weekend behind bars and she will likely remain there until her trial.

Miller Kontz is charged with poisoning her husband, AIDS researcher Eric Miller, in 2000. Judge Donald Stephens granted the bond Friday after a hearing.

Linda Mincey has been in the bail bonds business for six years. She said she has never heard of anyone getting a $3 million bond in Wake County.

"I thought it was an extravagant bond. I didn't think she'd get a bond," Mincey said.

Mincey said the standard fee for a bail bondsman is 15 percent cash, up front and non-refundable. In this case, Miller Kontz would have to pay $450,000.

"You'd have to weigh the situation. I don't think I'd want to stay in jail if you can't handle it, but that's a lot of money to lose not to get back," Mincey said. "If it were me, I'd stay there and use the money for attorney fees."

Miller Kontz's other option is to do a property bond through the Wake County Clerk's Office, which means she would have to put up $3 million in property. Either way, Mincey said she thinks if Miller Kontz gets out, she will be a low-flight risk.

"A bond that high, there's a possibility she might not come back to court. She doesn't have a prior record. She's got a child. It would make sense for her to come back to court," Mincey said.

A hearing will be held Tuesday to determine a date for Miller Kontz's trial.

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