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Hsu to return to Calif. under armed guard

Ellen Miller, Special to the Rocky

Published September 20, 2007 at midnight

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GRAND JUNCTION - Disgraced Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu is to return to California today under armed guard after waiving extradition, concluding the Colorado chapter of his strange legal saga.

"I'll be very surprised if he's here at the close of business" (today), Mesa County District Attorney Pete Hautzinger said. "It's my understanding California authorities will be here, and it's my understanding he'll be transported by air."

Mesa County District Judge Brian Flynn ordered Hsu to be held without bond pending the arrival of deputies from San Mateo, Calif.

Hsu was arrested in Grand Junction earlier this month after he failed to show up for a court appearance in California in a 1991 grand theft case that resulted in a conviction.

Hautzinger wouldn't disclose any specific information about transporting Hsu, 56, who roiled national political waters when his extensive campaign contributions came to light - money he gave while he was a fugitive.

Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign is returning $850,000 in contributions linked to Hsu, who reportedly "bundled" money from many sources.

Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign also has given back money provided by Hsu, as has Colorado Rep. Mark Udall, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Hsu pleaded no contest in 1991 to a grand theft charge stemming from a Ponzi scheme in California, but fled before he was to be sentenced in 1992, apparently spending time in Asia before returning to become a leading fundraiser for numerous Democratic candidates.

Early this month, he surrendered to California authorities after 15 years on the lam and posted $2 million bond. But he failed to show up for a Sept. 5 bond hearing.

The next day, he fell ill aboard an Amtrak train bound for Denver and was hospitalized for six days in Grand Junction before being transferred to the Mesa County jail to face extradition.

"It'll be very relieving to have him gone,'' Hautzinger said Wednesday.

Following the short hearing Wednesday, during which Hsu signed four copies of documents waiving extradition, his attorney and a spokesman declined comment.

On Tuesday, The Associated Press quoted Hsu's spokesman as saying his client was "sick and confused'' and may have boarded Amtrak instead of a Bay Area Rapid Transit train before his scheduled court appearance.