George Zimmerman, who once dreamed of becoming a police officer, had bond set at $150,000 Friday on a second-degree murder charge in the shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford.

Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. accepted the arguments that Zimmerman, 28, won’t be a flight risk in what has become an intensely racially-charged case drawing international attention.

Zimmerman won’t be immediately released, as terms of the release including electronic monitoring must be worked out, and the terms that could allow him to reside out of state while on bond. There is concern for Zimmerman's safety because the New Black Panther Party had put out a $10,000 bounty on his capture prior to his arrest.

Zimmerman also won’t be allowed to consume alcohol or possess weapons, and must report to state officials every three days.
 
“There is to be no contact directly or indirectly with the victim’s family,” Lester said.

Lester was assigned the case after Judge Jessica Recksiedler on Wednesday recused herself due to a potential conflict of interest since her husband worked with a CNN legal affairs analyst covering the case.

Appearing before the judge, Zimmerman denied that he has changed his story of the events of Feb. 26, claiming self-defense in the shooting, and he addressed Martin’s parents.

“I am sorry for the loss of your son,” Zimmerman said. “I didn’t know if he was armed or not.”

Zimmerman’s attorney Mark O'Mara argued Zimmerman isn’t a flight risk. He also surrendered Zimmerman’s passport, which expires in May 2012. Zimmerman's wife, Shellie, and father Robert Zimmerman both testified on his behalf via phone.

Prosecutor Bernie De La Rionda, calling for no bond or $1 million in bond, noted that Zimmerman had a prior violent act involving a law-enforcement officer.

“Our position is that he will still be a danger to the community,” De La Rionda said. “When it comes down to it, he shot somebody.”

Zimmerman, while shackled, wore a suit, white shirt and tie in court. He had shaved the beard and mustache he had during his first appearance on April 12.

Zimmerman was charged on April 11 by Duval County State Attorney Angela Corey, who was appointed special prosecutor in the case by Gov. Rick Scott.

Zimmerman, 28, claimed he acted in self-defense under the state’s Stand Your Ground law.

On Thursday, Scott and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll announced a 17-member Citizens Safety and Protection Task Force that will slowly review the state’s Stand Your Ground law and other public safety rules.



Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.