Polygamous sect leader Lyle Jeffs is being let out of jail pending trial on accusations he helped orchestrate a multimillion-dollar food stamp fraud scheme.
U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart in Salt Lake City on Thursday granted Jeffs' latest request to be released, citing the fact that the other 10 defendants already out have complied with conditions set by the court.
Jeffs will be required to stay in Salt Lake County and wear a GPS monitor. He is prohibited from talking with witnesses, co-defendants and his brother, imprisoned sect leader Warren Jeffs.
Lyle Jeffs was the only defendant still behind bars among 11 people indicted in February on charges of diverting at least $12 million worth of federal benefits.
Prosecutors objected to his release, saying he wields enormous power and that witnesses will be scared to cooperate with government investigators.
Lyle Jeffs' attorney, Kathryn Nester, said her client's constitutional rights would have been violated if he had to stay behind bars until trial, currently set for October.
All the defendants have pleaded not guilty to fraud and money laundering charges.