As previously reported, Sholom Rubashkin, the manager at Agriprocessors' Postville, Iowa kosher meatpacking plant that was raided by federal immigaration authorities in May 2008, was convicted earlier this month on 86 counts charging money laundering and fraud. Seeking Rubashkin's release on bail pending sentencing, Rubashkin's attorneys offered unusual collateral as bond. Not only were his supporters willing to pledge the equity in their homes totally nearly $8 million, but six rabbis offered to pledge sacred Torah scrolls as collateral. (Cedar Rapids Gazette, 11/18). Federal district judge Linda R. Reade was apparently unimpressed. She denied bail, and Rubashkin's attorneys say they will appeal. (Iowa Independent, 11/25).
Meanwhile, last week, at the government's motion, the 72 still-pending immigration-related charges against Rubashkin were dismissed without prejudice. The government concluded that the sentence on the fraud charges is likely to be substantially longer than any sentence for immigration law violations. Some of the fraud charges involved making false statements about harboring illegal aliens. The dismissal conserves prosecutorial resources and lessens inconvenience to witnesses. (Iowa Independent, 11/19). Rubashkin and others still face state charges of violating child labor laws.
