‘Duke’ Cunningham released from prison

(CNS) - Former Rep. Randy “Duke’’ Cunningham, R-San Diego, imprisoned in 2006 for bribery, fraud and tax evasion, was released Tuesday from a federal halfway house in New Orleans.

Cunningham, 71, was sentenced to eight years and four months behind bars, and spent most of that time at a prison in Tucson. He was sent to the halfway house in December.

In addition to pleading guilty to tax evasion and conspiracy, he admitted receiving at least $2.4 million in gifts, cash and trips from defense contractors in exchange for steering government work their way. Since being incarcerated, Cunningham has denied accepting bribes and said he regretted his plea.

Prior to the bribery scandal, Cunningham represented California’s 50th Congressional District for 14 years. The district included much of inland North County. He resigned amid his legal woes. Prior to politics, he flew an F-4 Phantom fighter jet for the U.S Navy during the Vietnam War.

While at the halfway house, the ex-congressman had to go through programs designed to prepare inmates for their release, said Edmond Ross, a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Prisons. He was allowed to go out into the community with permission but was required to spend each night in the facility.

Last year, U.S. District Judge Larry Burns denied a request for Cunningham to possess a firearm so he could hunt and participate in sport shooting contests. In a letter to the judge, he said he plans to live out his days with his mother and brother in rural Arkansas, writing books.

Burns said in his response that the 1968 federal law banning felons from possessing weapons contains no exemptions for hunting and sport shooting and that Cunningham could only bypass the law by receiving a waiver from the Secretary of the Treasury.

Since being denied permission to possess a firearm, Cunningham has said that he might instead settle with military friends in Florida and write his memoirs.