Nodine Pleads Not Guilty To Federal Charges

3:40 p.m.
Former Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine pleaded not guilty to one count of a federal firearms charge.

Nodine, who looked tired as he walked into court, faced a federal judge for the first time Friday afternoon. He wore his black and white jail jumpsuit, orange jail-issued sandals, handcuffs and shackles on his feet.

Nodine will remain in jail for at least another ten days until his federal detention hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, June 14. The hearing could have been scheduled next Tuesday, but Nodine's defense attorney asked for more time to prepare.

Dennis Knizley and John Williams, who are defending Nodine on his murder and drug charges in state court, sat in the audience during the federal hearing. Federal Judge Katherine Nelson appointed Nodine a defense attorney from the federal defender's office.

11:30 a.m.Former Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine will face a federal judge today.

Nodine's first hearing on his federal weapons charge is scheduled for 2:30 this afternoon.

The former commissioner posted bond Thursday on his murder charge in Baldwin County, which got the ball rolling for his federal proceedings to begin.

Nodine, who is accused of killing his long-time mistress, Angel Downs, is also accused of possessing guns while addicted a controlled substance.

Within three days of Nodine's initial federal appearance, a federal judge will decide whether to detain the former commissioner through his federal trail.

Nodine is currently at the Baldwin County Correction Center being held on a federal detainer.