Judge Delays Ruling On Whether Espada's Bail Should Be Revoked

NEW YORK (NEW YORK) -- Former State Sen. Pedro Espada can stay out of jail -- for now.

A judge he needs more time to decide if Espada's bail should be revoked, CBS 2's Tony Aiello reported Friday.

The ex-lawmaker, who was convicted of stealing from a non-profit agency, was brimming with confidence on his way to Brooklyn Federal Court.

Espada used to run the Soundview Health Center, which is now called the Stevenson Family Health Center, but you can still faintly see his name under a layer of paint on one of the buildings in the Bronx. In May, he was convicted of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the agency.

In court documents, federal prosecutors say when Stevenson bought what was left of Espada's operation, Espada ended up collecting a $40,000 check for himself and another $104,000 for a janitorial company he controlled.

Prosecutors said that violated a court order barring Espada from participating in the business.

And the fact that Espada took more money out of the agency "speaks to Espada's utter lack of remorse or acceptance of responsibility for his crimes."

The judge asked for more information about the alleged bail violation, and will rule later this month on whether to revoke bail.

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