Exclusive: Foster Freed, Exits Through Back Door

Friday afternoon a federal judge ruled Fresno Police Deputy Chief Keith Foster could be released from custody. Our cameras caught the first glimpse of Foster after his arrest.

Foster exited out the back door of the courthouse with a loved one and his attorney by his side.

The federal judge says the reason Foster was released on his own recognizance was because he is a long time resident, has strong ties to the community, and the court believes he’s not a flight risk and will comply with rules set by federal court.

The conditions for his release are he can’t have contact with other defendants and he must seek medical and psychiatric treatment. He also no history of substance abuse, but by court order he cannot fill his prescription for oxycodone.

Police Chief Jerry Dyer talked with the media after he met with Foster at the federal courthouse.

"We made arrangements to sit down and meet with deputy chief Foster and his attorney for a real brief session. It was for the purpose of reaffirming his peace officer powers have been removed and to make arrangements for some additional police equipment to be obtained and to direct him not to have a conversation with anyone who might be involved in this investigation. "said Chief Dyer.

The federal court is also allowing Foster to walk free because they don’t believe he is a threat to the community.

He’s free now, but if he’s guilty he faces a max sentence of 45 years behind bars and more than a million dollars in fines.