SAN DIEGO -- A judge agreed Thursday to appoint an attorney to represent indicted San Diego City Councilman Charles Lewis, but told the defendant that he would have to reimburse the federal government for services rendered.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Larry Burns said Lewis -- indicted last month on conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud charges -- had the ability to hire a lawyer, but conceded the case is complicated and will involve an extraordinary amount of preparation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Cook told the judge there are tapes containing an estimated 2,000 hours of wiretaps and recorded conversations that will be turned over to Lewis' defense team.

Burns ordered Lewis, whom he said "makes a good living," to deposit $30,000 in a court account to begin paying defense attorney Frank Ragen.

"We're going to draw against that money," the judge told the defendant.

Burns ruled that Lewis could use campaign contributions to help pay for his defense, but told the defendant to submit a written declaration every month to determine how much is in the councilman's war chest.

Should Lewis be acquitted and file a claim against the city to recoup funds used in mounting his defense, the federal government should be reimbursed first, the judge ruled.

Lewis and fellow City Council members Ralph Inzunza and Michael Zucchet were named in a 39-count indictment Aug. 28.

All three men are charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for allegedly taking money from associates of strip club owner Michael Galardi to help repeal the city's "no touch" nude dancing ordinance.

Inzunza, Zucchet, Galardi, his lobbyist Lance Malone, and Cheetahs night manager John D'Intino are also charged with extortion. Lewis aide David Cowan is charged with making a false statement to the FBI.

D'Intino pleaded guilty at his first court appearance Sept. 2 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to possess unregistered weapons.

Galardi pleaded guilty Sept. 8 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Galardi admitted that the city of San Diego's "no touch" ordinance was causing financial damage to Cheetahs, and agreed with Malone and D'Intino to pay money to an undercover San Diego vice detective to tip club officials when a raid was coming.

Galardi also admitted directing Cheetahs employees to write checks to City Council candidates, including Zucchet, Lewis and Inzunza.

In addition, Galardi admitted making payments to the councilmen to get their support for measures designed to advance the repeal of the "no touch" ordinance.

Galardi also admitted paying for a trip to Las Vegas, including lodging and entertainment, for Lewis.