Lithuanian seeks release pending US extradition decision

CHICAGO (AP) - An ex-Lithuanian judge and parliamentarian jailed in Chicago at Lithuania's request since February is asking a judge to free her on electronic monitoring to await possible extradition.

A handwritten letter by Neringa Venckiene (VEHN'-kee-ehn-ay) filed Wednesday focuses on her 18-year-old son, who has had to live alone at their suburban Chicago home, maintaining the house while attending college.

Venckiene faces charges stemming from her claims of a pedophile ring in Lithuania that claimed her niece as a victim. Her letter says, "I wanted only to save a little girl, and now I am in prison."

She insists she's no flight risk, writing, "My life is here in the United States." She says her community ties include a home and flower store. She notes she turned herself in as agents sought her arrest.