Cal Harris Granted Bail, Must Surrender Passport

10/25/2012 (Updated 11:04:44 PM)

In Tioga County Court Thursday, Judge James Hayden decided that Cal Harris should be released, on a half million dollars bail as early as this Friday.

But,  first,  he  has to surrender his passport that condition was set by the judge, following arguments by the District Attorney, Gerald Keene,  who believes that Harris, already twice convicted of the murder of his wife Michele, is an obvious flight risk.

But some who were at the courthouse don't like the idea of Harris being let out of jail, before a third trial begins.

Another complication District Attorney Keene is running for a judgeship.  If he wins in the November election,  the new trial could be delayed while another prosecutor takes over the case.

In terms of where the trial would be held,  D.A. Keene sees no problem in a change of venue because of concerns over massive pre-trial publicity.