Richard Gillman appeared in bond court Thursday on charges including felony theft and money laundering at Republic Windows and Doors.

Gasps could be heard in the courtroom when Judge Peggy Chiampas set Gillman's bond.

After the hearing, Gillman's attorney Ed Genson blasted the judge for setting a bond that far exceeded even prosecutors' recommendations of $500,000.

Genson says Gillman doesn't have close to enough money to post bail and he'll appeal the amount.

Union representatives have long alleged that Republic violated labor law, including by removing machinery from the plant as it closed. Republic executives had denied wrongdoing.