A judge in San Diego has ruled a defense contractor can be freed while he appeals his conviction for bribing former Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham - but only if puts forward $1.4 million in collateral for a bond.
Brent Wilkes in February was sentenced to 12 years in prison for bribery and other charges. At a hearing Friday, an appeals judge ruled Wilkes could be released on bail while he appeals his convictions.
He was convicted of bribing Cunningham to help steer government defense contracts toward Wilkes' firm.
Wilkes also would have to abide by several conditions for any release, including reporting any contact with elected officials.
