A court in Mexico dismissed charges last month against Chapman and two associates, Tim Chapman and son Leland Chapman, in connection with the bounty hunter's capture of Andrew Luster. However, on Thursday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren left the bond in effect. An appeal has been filed by the Mexican prosecutor in the case.

The three bounty hunters were originally arrested in September by U.S. marshals and jailed on an extradition warrant requested by Mexico.

Chapman, who was free on $300,000 bail, faced up to four years in a Mexican jail if convicted. His Mexican lawyer doubted he would get the maximum, saying last year that illegal detention was a relatively minor crime in Mexico and that if Chapman was convicted, he would likely only have to pay a fine of several hundred dollars.

Dog and his wife released a statement today saying he was "devastated" by the decision, despite Mexico's full dismissal of charges filed against him for capturing Luster, a serial rapist, in that country three years ago.

"This is unacceptable," said Beth Chapman. "We are enlisting our fans and supporters to protest this action by our own government by calling and writing the Judge Barry Kurren, and Atty. Ronald Johnson, as well as the President, Condaleeza Rice, your Congressmen and women and state officials."

They also released the phone numbers and addresses of federal court officials involved.

"Please keep your calls and letters civil and polite," Duane Chapman said.