By Denny Walsh and Sam Stanton
dwalsh@sacbee.com
Indicted tomato executive Frederick Scott Salyer was ordered released on $300,000 bail today and allowed to return to his Pebble Beach estate while he awaits trial.
A federal judge issued an order allowing him to go home after posting bail and signing a personal surety bond for the $7 million home or other property and cash equaling $6 million.
Salyer, 54, has been suffering from diabetes in the jail, and his attorney, Malcom Segal, argued in court documents that his incarceration has resulted in vision problems and other medical difficulties. Segal has pressed for Salyer to be sent home under house arrest, contending that he cannot mount a defense in such a complicated bribery and racketeering case while in jail.
Federal prosecutors have argued that Salyer, former head of SK Foods and a multimillionaire, will flee the country if released. They are expected to request a stay of the judge's release order.
U.S. District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton ordered Salyer's release under a series of strict conditions, including:
• Salyer must surrender his passport and pilot's license.
• He must be monitored electronically in his home, with a GPS device attached to him, and pay for the monitoring.
• He cannot open any financial accounts without permission.
• He must remain in his home except for travel to his attorney's office, the FBI or other federal offices. He can attend medical appointments, but only with permission in advance.
Call The Bee's Denny Walsh, (916) 321-1189.
Previous coverage:
Defense says diabetes should get tomato exec out of Sacramento jail - March 25, 2010
Lawyer for tomato exec Salyer cites fraud case's complexity in urging bail - March 19, 2010
Indicted tomato businessman again seeks release on bail - March 17, 2010
Tomato king sees his empire crumble - March 14, 2010
Key players in the Salyer case - March 14, 2010
Food executive Salyer denied bail in Sacramento federal court - March 4, 2010
SK Foods magnate Salyer hears charges in racketeering case - Feb. 27, 2010
Arrested tomato magnate to appear in Sacramento court - Feb. 26, 2010
SK Foods magnate Salyer indicted on racketeering charges - Feb. 19, 2010
Judge orders SK Foods magnate sent to capital - Feb. 6, 2010
FBI arrests SK Foods owner on fraud charges - Feb. 5, 2010
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