Court Issues Warrant for DeLay, Sets $10,000 Bond
http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB410O30FE.html
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A Texas court Wednesday issued a warrant
for Rep. Tom DeLay, ordering him to appear at the Fort Bend County
jail for booking on state conspiracy and money laundering charges.
The court set an initial $10,000 bail as a routine step before the
Texas Republican's first court appearance Friday.
DeLay, R-Texas, could be fingerprinted and photographed, although
his lawyers had hoped to avoid this step. DeLay will surrender in
his home county, near Houston, although his court appearance will
be in Austin.
The warrant, known as a capias, is "a matter of routine and bond
will be posted," said DeLay's lawyer, ***** DeGuerin.
DeLay has stepped down as U.S. House majority leader - at least
temporarily - under a Republican rule requiring him to relinquish
the post if charged with a felony.
Two grand juries have charged DeLay and two political associates in
an alleged scheme to violate state election law, by funneling corporate
donations to candidates for the Texas Legislature. State law prohibits
use of corporate donations to finance state campaigns, although the money
can be used for administrative expenses.
The indictments charge that a DeLay-founded Texas political committee
sent corporate donations to the Republican National Committee in
Washington, and the national party sent funds back to the state for
2002 campaigns.
DeLay has denied wrongdoing and accused Travis County District Attorney
Ronnie Earle - a Democrat - of having partisan motives. Earle has
denied the accusation.
The Republican fund-raising in 2002 had major political consequences,
allowing the GOP to take control of the Texas Legislature.
The Legislature then redrew congressional boundaries according to a
DeLay-inspired plan, took command of the state's U.S. House delegation
and helped the GOP retain its House majority.
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