US judge in Va. orders neo-Nazi leader released on bond, but prosecution appeals ruling

Va. judge orders release of white supremacist

ROANOKE, Va. — A U.S. magistrate judge in Virginia has ordered the release of an avowed white supremacist, but prosecutors have appealed.

Judge Michael Urbanski on Thursday stayed his ruling allowing William A. White’s release on $25,000 bond pending the appeal to U.S. District Court. But he ordered an electronic monitoring system to be installed at White’s home.

White is charged with threatening a syndicated newspaper columnist, a New Jersey mayor and several other people by e-mail, telephone or online.

He has been in jail since last October, when he was charged with encouraging violence against the foreman of a Chicago jury that convicted a fellow white supremacist. A judge dismissed that charge in July.

White is the self-styled leader of a Roanoke-based neo-Nazi group.