Judge Denies Bail for JDL Member

Associated Press/January 5, 2002

Los Angeles -- A Jewish Defense League member accused of plotting to bomb a mosque and a congressman's office was denied bail a second time Friday.

Earl Krugel and JDL Chairman Irv Rubin were arrested Dec. 11, shortly after authorities said bomb powder was delivered to Krugel's San Fernando Valley home. Authorities said he and Rubin planned to attack the King Fahd Mosque in Culver City and the office of Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif.

Each face as much as 30 years in prison if convicted.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Victor Kenton ordered both men held without bond last month, citing the potential danger he believes they present to the community.

"I haven't changed my view,'' Kenton said during a hearing Friday to review Krugel's request that he reconsider. "My concerns with the case are primarily danger to the community.''

Krugel's attorney, Mark Werksman, argued his 59-year-old client is a "productive member of society'' who has never been in serious trouble before.