Brent Wilkes, convicted of bribing a congressman, can be released from jail to await his appeal if he can collect $1.4 million in collateral for a bond, and he can stay out as long as he abides by a list of regulations, a judge ruled yesterday.
During a hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Larry Burns, a lawyer for Wilkes said family members of the former Poway defense contractor were willing to pledge property with about $800,000 in equity.
During a hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Larry Burns, a lawyer for Wilkes said family members of the former Poway defense contractor were willing to pledge property with about $800,000 in equity.
Burns said if Wilkes can pull together an additional $600,000 in collateral – either property or other assets – he will be released.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided last week that Wilkes can be released on bail while he appeals his convictions on 13 charges, which also include conspiracy, money laundering and fraud.
He was convicted of bribing former U.S. Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham to gain the congressman's influence to steer government defense contracts to Wilkes' company, ADCS Inc.
Burns laid down a list of conditions Wilkes will have to abide by once he is out. They include reporting any contact with elected officials or their staff to federal probation officials, and reporting any political contributions he may make. He also must start looking for a job, and make monthly reports on any changes in his finances.
Burns laid down a list of conditions Wilkes will have to abide by once he is out. They include reporting any contact with elected officials or their staff to federal probation officials, and reporting any political contributions he may make. He also must start looking for a job, and make monthly reports on any changes in his finances.
Before his trial last fall, Wilkes was free on $2 million bond, which was secured with $1.4 million in collateral. One reason Wilkes falls short on collateral to pledge toward the bond now is he has no equity left in his main Poway residence, which was appraised at $1.3 million, according to his lawyer, Robert Rexrode.
After the appeals court ruling, Burns said he would reinstate those same conditions and not impose a higher bond. But he said he wanted extra conditions to monitor and closely regulate Wilkes' conduct.
Rexrode said his client could be out of jail sometime next week.
The 53-year-old Wilkes appeared in court in green prison garb. Another condition of his release limits his travel primarily to California, allowing him to go outside the state only to visit relatives.
1 comment:
Time to make a call to his friends at the White House. There should be no problem giving Wilkes a Government contract to over that 600,000 dollars. Look this guy was given millions what's 600,000 among criminal friends. To bad Jack Abramoff is in jail he could get some more money from the Indians by fraud. Does anyone know Grover's phone number if so give it to Wilkes. Oh another crook he might ask is Ralp Reed he might have got an advance on his book.
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