NBC 13 News in Birmingham is now claiming to have "learned new information about the federal judge presiding over the Richard Scrushy fraud trial. It appears the two have a personal connection."

For the last 18 months Judge Karen Bowdre has presided over one of the biggest criminal trials in Birmingham history.

Now a previously sealed transcript shows initially Bowdre had her share of reservations about taking the case.

On Nov. 4, 2003 Bowdre admitted she had personal connections to Scrushy. On Monday, 18 months later, the transcript of that secret meeting has been unsealed.

"I rode at a stable called Camelot Stables which was located in Mr. Scrushy's stables on what is now Marin Road," Bowdre said. "As a result of riding in that stable, I got to know his daughter Melissa, and also his ex-wife, Karen Brooks, who rode there."

Later in the transcript she said:

"I am quite fond of Melissa. I think she is a wonderful, wonderful girl and have always enjoyed my conversations with her."

Moments later she recalled meeting Scrushy in person.

"I probably met him two or three times as a result of him attending horse shows with Melissa," she said "Every time, I had to be reintroduced to him."

Bowdre says it's not a conflict of interest.

"I don't believe that any of these contacts would affect my ability to fairly try the case."

John Carroll, a former federal judge, says Bowdre followed the rules of the bench.

"What the law says is, that the judge ought to disclose this information to the parties and their lawyers, and the parties and their lawyers will decide what to do," Carroll said. "And that's exactly what Judge Bowdre did."

Both sides heard this 2003 admission. Neither asked Bowdre to step down from the case.

Carroll said the late revelation will have no impact on the case.

Hmmm. Makes it all the more interesting to see what will happen this week, and may affect the odds of acquittal. Let me consult the bookmakers.