WARREN, Ohio - Several shocked defendants, who thought they had a pass to get out of jail, were back behind bars on Monday.

Trumbull Common Pleas Judge Peter Kontos found the bail posted by Napolett Bonding, AA Worldwide Bonding, Ace Bail Bonding, or AA BBBB Inc. was not as required by Ohio law.

Judge Kontos is now requiring insurance bonds to ensure a defendant that is out of jail on bond appears for court. He will no longer accept the property bonds Trumbull County courts have been using.

In an exclusive report that aired in March on 21 News, Janet Rogers showed how one company had 850-thousand dollars in bonds written against its property that was valued at 63-thousand dollars by the auditor's office. Not the amount needed to pay the court if a defendant failed to show up for court.

Judge Kontos wouldn't comment, but according to Tom Cool Bonding the judges actions speak clearly. "I respect what he did here, they finally fol lowed the law," said Tom Cool.

Most of the bonds that were thrown out were agreed to by judges in lower courts. We went to the lower courts to find out what changes they will make.

Warren Municipal Judge Thomas Gysegem tells 21 News he suggested changing the system when he first was elected as judge. "I'm sure it's the right call and we'll follow it," Judge Gysegem said.

Eastern District Court Judge Ronald Rice says he will now comply with Ohio's laws.

21 News was unable to reach Niles Judge Thomas Townley or Judge Tom Campbell in Central District Court to see if they will change the bonding process in their courts.

AA World Wide and Ace Bail Bonding chose not to comment. Napolett Bonding says they will comply with the court's orders and AAA-BBBB Bonding says it was in compliance and rectified the problem.