The president of the bankrupt Ekotek oil refinery and hazardous waste business has until Friday to come up with $10,000 cash for bail - or he'll stay behind bars awaiting his trial on environmental charges.
Steven M. Self, a resident of Fallbrook, Calif., appeared in federal court Tuesday afternoon for arraignment on a 12-count indictment. The charges were announced May 31 by U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh.Wearing a Navy blue jacket and gray trousers, Self stood with his hands in his pants' pockets and answered "not guilty" in a loud voice.
The Ekotek refinery, 1628 N. Chicago, was the site of numerous dangerous environmental practices, the indictment charges.
Self's attorneys had been pushing for release on his own recognizance. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. McGrath said, "We would not oppose personal recognizance."
But U.S. Magistrate Ronald N. Boyce said he had asked federal Pretrial Services officials to make a preliminary check on Self, both in Salt Lake City and San Diego (which is near Fallbrook). Boyce said that on the basis of the report, he would not go along with the request.
After studying the report, McGrath - a trial lawyer with the Justice Department's Environmental Crimes Division in Washington, D.C. - agreed: "We would support its finding." He said he was no longer was in favor of Self's release simply on his promise to show up for trial.
"I would propose that the defendant be released on the condition that he execute a signature $100,000 bond, but that he deposit 10 percent with the court," Boyce said. In addition, Self must surrender his passport, contact federal officials at least once a week and refrain from leaving the country.
Sam Alba, an attorney representing Self, disagreed strongly with the requirement that Self should put up the $10,000 cash. The government supported the release on recognizance, he said.
But Boyce stood firm. The cash deposit is appropriate "to ensure his attendance" in future hearings, he said.
Alba pointed out that Self's only source of income is Self Enterprises, a company that is under Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. He might have "onerous" trouble raising the money, he said.
Boyce noted that Self owns a car and property, including a certificate of deposit. "I don't think it would be onerous," he said. "It would be slightly inconvenient. That'll be the order of the court."
Sam asked if Self could sign over title to some property he owns, instead of putting up the cash. Boyce denied the request, saying Self could use the property to get a loan.