An Alaska Senate candidate in the recent republican primary was arraigned Friday morning after she was charged with food stamp fraud earlier this month.

Bekah Halat, 33, is charged with second degree theft and unsworn falsification.

which she was not entitled to.

Halat’s attorney, Mike Moberly, attended the hearing on her behalf, and the state had no objection to Halat not being physically present in the courtroom.

“The state agreed to wait for an appearance,” the district attorney told the judge. “My understanding is she’s available by phone. I don’t think it’s necessary because she has experienced defense counsel.”

The parties agreed to set release of Halat to her own recognizance with standard conditions. She’s required to obey all laws, maintain contact with her lawyer, appear in court and not leave Alaska without permission.

Moberly asked the judge if Halat would be permitted to leave Alaska on family businesses over Labor Day weekend. The state had no objection as long as she gets a signed waiver of extradition.

“I don’t think she has an issue about non-appearance,” Moberly said. “She has children here, she has a house and businesses.”

Halat’s pre-indictment hearing was scheduled for Sept. 27.