Rubashkin Granted Bail
In what I think is a somewhat surprising decision, Judge Linda Reade today agreed to release Sholom Rubashkin on a $500,000.00 bail pending his trial in September 2009. Reade granted the bail despite the prosecution's evidence that Rubashkin is alleged to have previously committed federal bank fraud while on release from arrest on prior immigration charges. The prosecution also argued against the granting of bail by pointing out that Rubashkin had made a trip to Canada almost immediately before the government brought the current charges against him. Finally, Reade granted Rubashkin's bail despite the fact that two former Agriprocessors managers are alleged to have already absconded to Israel. As to the terms of the bail:
Defense lawyers offered to have a private security firm use cameras and around-the-clock guards to confine Rubashkin to his Postville home. But Judge Reade did not require house arrest. She ordered that Rubashkin remain in Allamakee County unless he receives special permission to travel elsewhere. She also ordered that he have no contact with any potential witnesses in the case, and that he stay away from Agriprocessors.
The federal prosecutors will have until Thursday morning to decide whether or not to appeal Reade's decision to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. The full text of the Register's article can be found here.
