BOMBING case judge back in hospital for tests

DENVER (AP) _ The federal judge who oversaw the Oklahoma City bombing trials is back in the hospital for tests related to a progressive liver disease. <br><br>Richard Matsch, 71, was admitted Wednesday

Thursday, August 23rd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DENVER (AP) _ The federal judge who oversaw the Oklahoma City bombing trials is back in the hospital for tests related to a progressive liver disease.

Richard Matsch, 71, was admitted Wednesday to the University of Colorado Hospital. Matsch, who is awaiting a liver transplant, was in fair condition, hospital officials said Thursday.

Matsch has primary sclerosing cholangitis, an inflammatory condition that restricts bile ducts, causing a buildup of fluid that can lead to infections. His doctor has said the disease has scarred Matsch's liver.

The judge was in the hospital for six days earlier this month for an infection caused by the ailment.

Matsch presided over the Denver trials and appeals of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh and coconspirator Terry Nichols.

He also presided over the trial of several members of a militant, anti-Semitic organization responsible for the 1984 assassination of Denver radio talk show host Alan Berg. He heard arguments in Denver's school desegregation case as well as political corruption trials.