Sann Rodrigues, the top operator of the TelexFree Ponzi scheme, pleaded not guilty to visa fraud during his arraignment hearing yesterday.

Authorities arrested Rodrigues in New Jersey after he returned from overseas travel. The Department of Homeland Security says his visa was fraudulently obtained. If the case goes to trial, prosecutors expect proceedings to last three days and plan to call five to six witnesses. A status conference is now scheduled for October 20th, 2015.

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission is pushing to have Rodrigues thrown back in jail for contempt of court as part of its civil case against him. Rodrigues' attorneys requested two extensions to respond to the contempt motion. Their response is due by September 21st, with a hearing date expected to follow shortly after.

October 20th, 2015 update: Rodrigues' legal team asked for a continuance, citing the need for more time to review discovery materials and build their defense. The judge granted the motion, pushing the status conference to December 15th.

December 16th, 2015 update: During the December 15th status conference, both sides told the court they're still working through discovery. They're also dealing with separate litigation involving the SEC and waiting for documentary evidence from the U.S. State Department. Another status conference was scheduled for February 8th, 2016.

February 9th, 2016 update: The case hit another delay. Both sides filed a joint motion to push back the February 8th hearing to April 5th. The judge approved it.

March 20th, 2016 update: The April 5th hearing got rescheduled to April 19th.

April 20th, 2016 update: Just days before the April 19th hearing, attorneys filed another joint motion to reschedule. Judge Bowler granted it, setting a new status conference for June 7th.

The case continues to drag through the courts with repeated continuances, while Rodrigues remains tied up in both criminal and civil proceedings stemming from his role in the TelexFree operation.

🤖 Quick Answer

What charges did Sann Rodrigues face regarding his visa?
Sann Rodrigues, operator of the TelexFree Ponzi scheme, pleaded not guilty to visa fraud. The Department of Homeland Security alleged his visa was fraudulently obtained. He was arrested in New Jersey upon returning from overseas travel, with prosecutors planning a three-day trial involving five to six witnesses.

What additional legal action was being pursued against Rodrigues?
The Securities and Exchange Commission pursued contempt of court charges against Rodrigues in its civil case. His attorneys requested two filing extensions, with their response due September 21st and a hearing date scheduled thereafter to address the SEC's motion.

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