Los Angeles, CA – Spinka Case Bail Set, Defendent Being Held Due To Flight Risk

Los Angeles, CA – Bail was set late Friday for an Israeli man accused of tax fraud, but a federal magistrate judge then delayed granting bail until the government could appeal his decision. Joseph Roth, 66, is one of six men arrested in connection with the money laundering ring.

Roth, of Tel Aviv, is accused of participating in a sophisticated tax fraud and money laundering scheme involving an Orthodox Jewish sect that allegedly cheated the IRS out of millions of dollars.

Bail was set at $1.9 million by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Hillman in a hearing this morning at U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Hillman then granted Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel O’Brien’s request to stay the ruling so the government can appeal it to the federal district judge assigned to Roth’s case.

O’Brien said the fact that Roth is not a U.S. citizen, Roth’s age, and a 1977 Israeli law barring extradition of Israeli citizens, makes Roth a significant flight risk.

Roth will remain in federal custody until at least Jan. 4, pending the district judge’s decision on Hillman’s. [CBS]