by KYW's Tony Hanson
Philadelphia city councilman Rick Mariano has been released from federal custody for the first time since his conviction on federal fraud and bribery charges.
The judge in the case held a conference call with the attorneys in the case to tell them he is now satisfied that Mariano won't be a danger to himself or others if he is released.
Following Mariano's conviction two weeks ago, the judge had ordered Mariano taken immediately into federal custody, expressing concerns about Mariano's mental health because of Mariano's highly-publicized trip to the top of City Hall tower just days before the councilman was indicted.
Now, the judge says, the report he received on a psychiatric examination of Mariano leads him to believe it's OK for Mariano to be released. The councilman, unshaven and looking pale and weary, was released early Tuesday afternoon from the Federal Detention Center at 7th and Arch Streets.
Mariano is expected to remain free on bail pending his sentencing in a month or two. After he is sentenced, he will automatically lose his City Council seat.
Mariano's attorney says the councilman will now consider his future plans, including his employment, and make some decisions and an annoucment in the coming days.
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