A Federal appeals court in New York yesterday overturned the extortion conviction of former Bronx Congressman Robert Garcia and sent the case back for a possible new trial.

When Howard Spira learned the other day that the appeal of his extortion conviction had been rejected, he was distraught.

A Federal appeals court in Manhattan yesterday reversed the extortion conviction of former Representative Robert Garcia of the South Bronx and his wife, Jane Lee.

The extortion convictions can carry sentences of up to 20 years each, and conspiracy is punishable by up to 5 years in jail.

Charged with Mr. Bellomo, who is known as Barney and who is serving a prison term for an earlier extortion conviction, was Thomas Cafaro, 42.

The extortion conviction of Robert Garcia of the Bronx was overturned and the case was sent back for a possible new trial.

Former United States Representative Robert Garcia was released from a Federal prison in Florida yesterday, a day after his extortion conviction was overturned, his wife's lawyer said.

In the meantime, Mr. Jordan, left, a Democrat who won extortion convictions against Mr. Edwards last year, will join a New Orleans law firm.

William Jr. would be removed from the program in 2006 due to an extortion conviction.