As in the detention hearings held Tuesday in Greenville, Senior Judge Malcolm J. Howard has not yet filed any document explaining why he decided to allow the release of Curtis Boone, Antonio Tillmon, Alaina Sue-Kam-Ling, Kavon Phillips, Alphonso Ponton, and Thomas Jefferson Allen II.

Minute entries in the court record only say the judge heard arguments in support of detention from the United States Government and then took up each case individually thereafter. “After hearing arguments from counsel for all defendants and from counsel for USA, the court determined that each defendant could be released on special conditions. All defendants released after processing,” the entry says.

None of the defendants today were restricted to home detention, but under conditions set by the judge must not violate federal, state, or local law while on release; must cooperate in the collection of a DNA sample if it is authorized; must advise the court or the pretrial services office or supervising officer in writing before making any change of residence or telephone number; must appear in court as required and, if convicted, must surrender as directed to serve a sentence that the court may impose.

They are also not allowed to associate with one another, possess drugs illegally or possess firearms.

Arraignment for the so-called Rockfish 15 is scheduled in December.