Sholom Rubashkin, the former top executive at the Agriprocessors meatpacking plant in Postville, should be released from custody on $500,000 bond while he awaits trial on multiple federal counts of bank fraud and of helping illegal immigrants obtain false documents, a judge ruled this morning

Rubashkin has been in federal custody since Nov. 14. Prosecutors had contended he might flee if let out of jail.

Rubashkin is expected to be released from jail Thursday morning – if he can post $500,000 bail. He will reportedly be placed under house arrest.

His wife, Leah Rubashkin, expressed relief outside the courtroom. She said she could not wait to welcome her husband home.

“We’ll give him a warm meal that he hasn’t had in two months,” she said. “And he’ll be surrounded by his children, who love him and miss him.”

A magistrate judge agreed with prosecutors last fall to deny bail for Rubashkin. The case has gained national attention because the magistrate’s decision was partly based on the theory that Rubashkin could become an Israeli citizen under Israel’s “Law of Return,” which welcomes Jews from around the world.

Prosecutors noted that two other former Agriprocessors managers are believed to have fled to Israel instead of facing charges in the United States. One of them has repeatedly contacted people in northeast Iowa, an FBI agent testified, though the agent acknowledged that he has no evidence that the man has contacted the Rubashkins.

(Source: The Des Moines Register)