Former Bell Councilman Victor Bello was released on bail early Wednesday morning after more than five months behind bars.

Bello's release at about 4 a.m. comes a few weeks after a judge agreed to reduce his bail from $190,000 to $100,000.

Bello is among eight current and former Bell city officials who were arrested in September and charged with corruption and misappropriation of funds. He was only one who remained behind bars.

The reduction of bail provided more "attractive terms" for Bello's son-in-law to secure his release, said Bello's attorney, Leo J. Moriarty.

The bail amount was approved by the Los Angeles County district attorney's office and a judge on Tuesday.

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"Since Mr. Bello is now free from custody, he will not need to insist upon a speedy trial," Moriarty said, noting that additional time will be spent planning Bello's defense.
On Tuesday, the people of Bell overwhelmingly voted to recall the entire City Council and elect a nw Mayor and four members of council.