The State - News from July 11, 1989

U.S. District Judge Robert P. Aguilar, indicted on charges of conspiring to obstruct justice and racketeering, pleaded not guilty in the same San Francisco federal courthouse where he took his oath of office nine years ago. Visiting U.S. District Judge Howard Bratton of Albuquerque, N.M., allowed Aguilar, 58, to remain free without bail. Aguilar’s co-defendants, Rudy Tham, 66, and Abe Chapman, 83, also pleaded not guilty. In his brief appearance, Aguilar identified himself, gave his age, entered his plea and left the courthouse through a rear door. Defense attorney Patrick Hallinan repeated his pronouncement that Aguilar is innocent, and charged that the case is an attempt to force the liberal judge from the bench because of his rulings against the government in several cases.