Merely two months after Brian Potashnik was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn to 14 months in federal prison for his role in the Dallas City Hall corruption case, he's been approved for a month-long release from behind bars. In a notification sent to victims of Potashnik's crimes, Jeff Butler at the Federal Correctional Institution in Seagoville said Potashnik would be spending his time in Grand Prairie during March.
This notice is to inform you that BRIAN POTASHNIK has been approved for a furlough. During a furlough, an inmate is authorized to be absent from the institution in order to participate in specified programs or activities. Inmates who participate in furloughs must meet strict eligibility requirements. Inmate POTASHNIK has met the eligibility criteria and will be on furlough from this facility from March 01, 2011, to March 31, 2011. While on furlough, the inmate will be in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Obiamaka Madubuko, one of Potashnik's attorneys, did not return an e-mail, and Butler told us we'd need Potashnik's permission for him to elaborate on the details of his release. However, Lori Greco, Lynn's courtroom deputy, provided a brief statement explaining the nature of Potashnik's release.
Brian Potashnik has been granted a "work detail" by the Warden at Seagoville to work out in the community for the month of March along with other inmates who are granted the same privilege. ... Judge Lynn will make no comment about this.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons without explanation denied a request by former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling for a temporary release to attend his son's funeral.
