Rubashkin again appeals for bail

Former Agriprocessors vice president Sholom Rubashkin filed an appeal Monday asking a federal judge to reconsider granting him bail pending his sentencing.

U.S. District Judge Linda Reade denied bail in Rubashkin's case last week, saying Rubashkin, convicted two weeks ago on 86 counts of bank fraud and other charges, is a flight risk.

The motion requests Reade consider additional conditions of release such as a curfew, home detention, 24-hour armed surveillance and a monitoring ankle bracelet, as he wore on bail before trial. Rubashkin would be responsible for the expense of the armed surveillance.

Rubashkin doesn't have a valid driver's license, has surrendered his birth certificate, doesn't have a passport and his wife and children have surrendered their birth certificates, the motion contends.

The motion also cites Rubashkin has received “unprecedented” support from the community, with over 1,000 letters and emails of support, and 43 people have pledged nearly $8 million in the equity of their homes. In addition, a group of rabbis has offered Torah scrolls valued at nearly $500,000 to ensure his appearance at sentencing.

Rubashkin faces more than 1,200 years in prison. The conviction on bank, wire and mail fraud, money laundering and nonpayment of livestock charges stems from the May 2008 Agriprocessors immigration raid.