Judge Approves Bond Of $50,000 For Alabama Church Fire Suspects
Associated Press via KOTV March 16, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) _ Three college students accused of setting fire to a string of rural Alabama churches can be released from jail on $50,000 bond each, provided they stay away from alcohol, cars and home computers, a judge ruled Thursday.
In a brief order, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert R. Armstrong Jr. said all three suspects must live with their parents in what amounts to house arrest with electronic monitoring as they await trial.
None of the three has a criminal record and all come from ``normal, stable, caring, working-parent homes,'' the judge said in approving bond.
But, he wrote, all three are under 21 and ``drink alcoholic beverages in amounts that would be excessive for adults.''
The judge rejected prosecutors' plea that the three remain jailed until trial.
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Last updated 17/03/2006