Judge approves place for former US Rep. Mel Reynolds to stay while out on bond
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Former Illinois Congressman Mel Reynolds talks on his cell phone as he leaves federal court in Chicago, Thursday, July 30, 2015, after pleading not guilty to federal tax charges. Reynolds, with no home of his own, is scrambling to find a place to stay after prosecutors told the hearing that restrictions on sexual offenders should apply to the Chicago Democrat. Reynold's resigned from Congress in 1995 after being convicted of statutory rape. The housing issues arose when the hearing moved to questions about bond. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (The Associated Press)
A federal judge has approved a long-term residence for former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds to stay while free on bond on tax charges.
The judge approved Reynolds' proposed accommodations during a Friday hearing in Chicago.
The Illinois Democrat has no home and had to scramble to find housing that met restrictions on him because of a 1995 statutory-rape conviction. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez rejected one residence Thursday that was close to a school.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Reynolds has pleaded not guilty to failing to file income tax returns.
The judge ordered Reynolds to surrender his passport, but refused to require him to wear an electronic monitor.
Reynolds complained to reporters that no one suggested recently indicted former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert wear a monitor. The African-American Reynolds suggested race was a factor.