Judge rules former officer can be released on bond

2010-12-30 17:28:00 PST San Jose, CA 95110, United States — (12-30) 17:28 PST San Jose, Calif. (AP) --

A federal judge has ordered a former Santa Clara police officer to be released on bond as he awaits trial on fraud and conspiracy charges.

Clay Rojas is accused of supplying criminal and motor vehicle records and other confidential information to a Hells Angels member to settle a debt.

The San Jose Mercury News reports that U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Bommer on Wednesday agreed to release Rojas on $100,000 bond if he forfeits his passport.

Despite the ruling, Rojas will remain in jail until he is released on bail on related state charges.

The indictment claims William Bettencourt, a suspected member of the motorcycle gang, loaned Rojas money, and the insider information was a form of repayment.

Bettencourt also has been charged in the federal and state cases.

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Information from: San Jose Mercury News, www.sjmercury.com