FORSYTH, Mo. – It’s not sitting well with officials in Florida that a convicted fugitive from their state is out on bond because he’s perceived to be an upstanding citizen in Missouri.  U.S. deputy marshals and Taney County sheriff’s deputies arrested Oscar Richardson, known as Eugene Ward in Missouri, on Saturday but a Taney County judge allowed him to post two $12,500 bonds on Monday.

Richardson served three years -- one in a county jail and two in state facilities -- in Florida for two armed robberies before leaving a work release center and not returning in 1979.  For 26 years, Ward has lived near Ridgedale, just north of the Arkansas state line, and worked as a handyman and lawn care specialist.

"He's free now until Feb. 11,” said defense attorney Dee Wampler of Springfield.

Ward is free because Associate Circuit Judge Tony Williams allowed him to post bond.

"The judge makes a ruling based on his past,” said Wampler.  “He has a spotless record, never arrested.  He enjoys the highest reputation for truthfulness and honesty.  He's a law-abiding citizen everyone would want -- for the last 31 years.”

Officials in Florida don't think the last 31 years erase prior errors.

"The state of Florida requested he be held on ‘no bond’ because he was an obvious flight risk,” said Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell, who argued to no avail for Florida’s position on Monday.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey issued the following statement: 

“I am shocked and extremely disappointed by the irresponsible decision of Judge Tony Williams to allow Oscar Richardson to post bond.  Richardson is a violent felony offender who was serving time in Florida for an armed robbery conviction when he fled after serving only a fraction of his sentence.   Allowing this fugitive to walk out of a courtroom after hiding from authorities for 30 years diminishes the seriousness of his crimes and shows a lack of sensitivity for those he victimized and a disregard for the safety of the citizens of Taney County.  We are working closely with Missouri authorities to aggressively pursue Richardson ’s extradition to Florida .  His debt to our state remains unpaid.”  

"It's not common to have someone remain a fugitive for 30 years," said Merrell.  "Our job here at this point is to monitor that he makes the court dates he's supposed to.”

Wampler though, says they won't have to serve in that capacity much longer.

"You'll see.  He'll turn himself in.  He's not going to run off.  He's been caught and discovered, and realizes this is ahead,” the defense attorney said. "He's put his life in God's hands now."

Wampler says he expects to travel with Richardson to Florida sometime in January.  Otherwise, his next court appearance in Missouri is scheduled for Feb. 11.  Wampler said a bondsman is keeping tabs on him.