Federal Judge OK's Residency Plan For Mel Reynolds During Legal Proceedings

CHICAGO (AP) -- A federal judge has approved a long-term residence for former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds to stay while free on bond on tax charges.

The judge approved Reynolds' proposed accommodations during a Friday hearing in Chicago.

The Illinois Democrat has no home and had to scramble to find housing that met restrictions on him because of a 1995 statutory-rape conviction. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez rejected one residence Thursday that was close to a school.

Reynolds has pleaded not guilty to failing to file income tax returns.

The judge ordered Reynolds to surrender his passport, but refused to require him to wear an electronic monitor.

Reynolds complained to reporters that no one suggested recently indicted former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert wear a monitor. The African-American Reynolds suggested race was a factor.