Prosecutors appeal bond ruling in SIU threat case

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) — Federal prosecutors are appealing a Chicago judge’s ruling to release pending trial a man accused of mailing threats of rapes, bombings and beheadings to Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale campus.

Magistrate Judge Susan Cox on Wednesday allowed 21-year-old Derrick Burns’ release but stayed it while prosecutors appealed. The government’s documents pressing for Burns to remain jailed as a potential threat are sealed. The judge says if her decision stands Burns would be released into his aunt’s care and has to wear an electronic monitor.