Yakima Judge Denies Bail for Kennewick Man Facing Fraud Charges

A federal judge in Yakima has denied bail for a Kennewick man facing charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering.

Magistrate Judge James Hutton on Friday agreed with prosecutors that Michael Spitzauer presents a flight risk.

The Tri-City Herald says the chief executive officer of Green Power last week pleaded not guilty in federal court to all charges. He remains in federal custody in Yakima.

According to court records, Spitzauer is accused of defrauding investors of at least $6.7 million in the past seven years. The U.S. is also seeking a $5 million judgment and forfeiture of his Kennewick home.

Spitzauer's Seattle attorney, Christopher Black, said he was not a flight risk.