Hal Turner, web publisher accused of threatening judges, lawmakers is free on bail

By The Associated Press

October 22, 2009, 6:47AM

APHarold "Hal" Turner from North BergenA New Jersey website publisher who is accused of threatening lawmakers and judges in two states is free on $500,000 bond.

Hal Turner lit a cigar as he walked out of the federal courthouse in Newark Wednesday. The 47-year-old waved away a reporter and photographer because he's under strict orders not to talk to the media.

A judge also ordered Turner not to use a computer or any device that can access the Internet.

Turner was arrested at his North Bergen home in June after authorities said he posted threats against Connecticut legislators and wrote that three federal judges in Illinois deserved to die.

Turner's attorneys said he merely gave his opinion, which was protected free speech.

Turner worked as an FBI informant and spied on right-wing organizations from 2002 to 2007.