Federal judge says electric tether is enough for convicted killer

DETROIT (AP) -- State attorneys have failed to persuade a judge to lock up a Detroit man who is free on bond after his two murder convictions were overturned. The attorney general's office claims Dwayne Ballinger Jr. is a "substantial danger" to the public. In a court filing, the state says he's been hunting for people whose testimony led to his convictions and life sentence in 2007. Ballinger denies the allegations. Detroit federal Judge Arthur Tarnow said last Thursday Ballinger can remain free but must wear an electronic tracking device. Ballinger was released from prison last Monday, months after the judge set aside his murder convictions. Tarnow said Ballinger's rights were violated because he had an ineffective trial lawyer. The attorney general's office wanted Ballinger to remain locked up while it appeals that decision. Published: Mon, Jun 25, 2012