Bail Ordered in Lodi Terror Case

(Sacramento, California) Umer Hayat, the 47-year-old Muslim charged with lying to the FBI with regard to a terrorism investigation, will be allowed to go free on bail. After months of wrangling between the prosecution and the defense, U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. reluctantly ordered Umer Hayat released on $1.5 million bail, secured by five Lodi properties in which several Hayat relatives have equity.

The prosecution expressed disappointment with the ruling, arguing that the pledged properties don't provide adequate incentive for Hayat not to flee. Judge Burrell demonstrated his reservations with releasing Hayat by placing tight restrictions on his freedom. Hayat will be on home confinement with his movements electronically monitored by a court officer and all telephone calls at Hayat's Lodi residence will be monitored. The reasonableness of Judge Burrell's decision to release Hayat likely won't be known until he's expected to show up in court.

Hamid Hayat, Umer's 23-year-old son, remains in jail without bail. He is charged with providing material support to terrorists by attending an al-Qaeda training camp and returning to the U.S. to wait for instructions to perform jihad against America. Hamid Hayat is considered a clear danger who faces a possible 30-year prison term if convicted. Umer Hayat faces a possible eight years if convicted.

My guess would be that Umer skips the country and disappears in Pakistan.


[Update 12/21/05]

Bail ruling appealed by federal prosecutors.