Updated: 08:55 PM EDT
Arrest Warrant Issued for Tom DeLay
Former House Majority Leader Due in Court Friday
By SUZANNE GAMBOA, AP
AUSTIN, Texas (Oct. 19) – A state court issued an arrest warrant on Wednesday for Rep. Tom DeLay, requiring him to appear in Texas for booking on state conspiracy and money laundering charges.
The court set an initial $10,000 bail as a routine step before the Texas Republican’s first court appearance Friday.
DeLay, R-Texas, could be fingerprinted and photographed, although his lawyers had hoped to avoid this step.
Fort Bend County Chief Deputy Craig Brady said arrangements were being made to bring DeLay to the sheriff’s office in his home county sometime Thursday for booking and fingerprinting.
The process was expected to take between 45 minutes and an hour. Brady said a specific time has not been set, but Sheriff Milton Wright was contacted Wednesday by DeLay’s attorney, Dick DeGuerin.
DeLay’s court appearance will be in Austin.
The warrant, known as a capias, is “a matter of routine and bond will be posted,” DeGuerin said.
DeLay has stepped down as U.S. House majority leader – at least temporarily – under a Republican rule requiring him to relinquish the post if charged with a felony.
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