Federal judge in NC allows former Blackwater president, 4 others to remain free pending trial

NC judge: Former Blackwater head can remain free

RALEIGH, N.C. — A federal judge is allowing the former president of Blackwater Worldwide and four of his past colleagues at the security firm to go free as they await trial on weapons charges.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James Gates on Wednesday denied the government’s request to set a bond for the suspects, including former Blackwater President Gary Jackson. Gates ordered all five defendants to turn in their passports and refrain from possessing guns.

Prosecutors accuse Jackson of flouting federal regulations with “arrogance.” An attorney for Jackson says government officials previously knew of many of the activities discussed in the indictment handed up last week.

The 52-year-old Jackson left the North Carolina company now known as Xe in a management shake-up last year.