A Carbon County judge has a granted a petition this morning for convicted former Coaldale mayor Richard Corkery to remain free on bail until his petition for an appeal is heard in a child pornography case.

Corkery was convicted on 27 counts of child pornography.Judge Steven R. Serfass ruled that Corkery, 75, will continue with electronic monitoring. Corkery must surrender his passport and file an appeal by Oct. 16.Serfass said Corkery met all the criteria under state law to remain free on bail. Corkery has been free on unsecured bail with electronic monitoring since Oct. 6, 2011.On June 12, a county jury convicted Corkery of all 27 criminal counts of sexual abuse of children-possession/viewing of child pornography.On Sept. 16, Serfass sentenced Corkery to serve nine to 36 months in a state correctional institution followed by three years of state probation.Corkery was scheduled to report to the county prison at 9 a.m. on Oct. 10 to begin his sentence. He is required to pay all costs of electronic monitoring.