Former Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi may remain free while he appeals his convictions on public-corruption and money-laundering charges. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made the ruling Tuesday, and that overturns a decision by the trial judge. Federal prosecutors had opposed Renzi's request to remain out of prison during his appeal to his June convictions.
The appellate court panel said Renzi is not likely to flee and does not pose a danger. The panel also said Renzi has raised a substantial appeal issue that could result in a new trial, but the panel said it was not expressing an opinion on the merits of the appeal and that the trial judge will decide bail conditions.
Renzi was to have started serving his three-year prison sentence in December. The Republican represented Arizona's 1st Congressional District from 2003 to 2009.
