A Dallas real estate developer has been put on house arrest after two federal judges found that he violated conditions of his release by contacting a potential government witness in his pending bribery trial.

Ruel Hamilton was recorded in January telling a former employee that she doesn’t have to talk with investigators and that his company would cover the cost of a lawyer for her, according to court records unsealed Tuesday.

Hamilton was charged with two counts of bribery in a corruption probe that has shaken local government in Dallas. He pleaded not guilty and was released ahead of his trial.

The original full article can be found at nbcdfw.com

(Photo: Ashley Landis / Staff Photographer)