The former top executive at the Agriprocessors meatpacking plant in Postville is expected to be released from jail soon. A federal judge ruled this morning that Sholom Rubashkin should be released from custody on $500,000 bond while he awaits trial on charges of bank fraud and helping illegal immigrants obtain false documents.

Rubaskin, who’s been in jail since November 14th, could be released Thursday morning. Prosecutors argued that Rubashkin might flee the country. Judge Linda Reade has ordered Rubashkin to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet. In addition, his travel is restricted to Allamakee County and he and his family are to surrender their passports and birth certificates.