Bond Deal Reached

Fresno, CA — Family members of the Columbia man accused of sparking the Rim Fire are putting up the funds to get him released from jail.

This afternoon in a Fresno federal court, 32-year-old Keith Emerald asked that he be allowed to post a certified check to make his $60,000 bail. Emerald’s lawyer stated the funds would come from his maternal grandmother, who would be reimbursed by his parent’s retirement accounts when available.

Magistrate Judge Gary s. Austin agreed to accept the check, but not without setting some conditions for Emerald’s release. Judge Austin ordered both parents and the grandmother to appear in court and sign an agreement acknowledging that they could lose the money if Emerald violates conditions of his bail. That court date is set for Friday at 1:30 before Judge Austin.

As reported yesterday, Emerald pled not guilty in a Fresno federal court.