US v. Sirtaj and Dilraj Mathauda

Update 3/13/09:

On March 10, 2009, a federal grand jury in Miami, Florida, returned a 16-count conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud indictment against Sirtaj Mathauda, a British citizen operating out of Costa Rica.  The indictment alleges that from June 2004 through January 2009, Mathauda and others conspired to sell fraudulent business opportunities to U.S. citizens.  

For additional information, see the Department of Justice Press Release dated March 11, 2009.

Charges in an indictment are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Update 3/26/09:

No change in status.

Update 6/25/09

On June 9, 2009, a federal grand jury in Miami returned an 18-count superseding indictment against Sirtaj Mathauda and Dilraj Mathauda. The superseding indictment alleges largely the same charges against Sirtaj Mathauda, and adds Dilraj Mathauda as a defendant.

Update 8/4/2009:

On July 30, 2009, Dilraj Mathauda was arrested in Miami based on the charges against him in the June 9, 2009, superseding indictment. He returned to the United States voluntarily to face the pending charges. At his initial appearance on July 31, the Court ordered him released with conditions that included home confinement at a specific residence in the Southern District of Florida, wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet, surrender of all travel documents including passport, and a bond.

For additional information, see the Department of Justice Press Release dated July 31, 2009.

Update 12/14/09:

On November 23, 2009, Sirtaj Mathauda had his initial appearance in federal court in Miami, Florida.  Sirtaj Mathauda did not contest pretrial detention and is currently being held in federal custody. 

On December 10, 2009, the court noticed a “Change of Plea” hearing for Dilraj Mathauda for January 6, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. 

Update 1/19/10:

On January 13, 2010, Dilraj Mathauda entered a guilty plea in Miami Federal District Court to Count One of the Superseding Indictment pending against him, charging conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.  Dilraj Mathauda sentencing is scheduled for March 29, 2010.

For additional information, see the Department of Justice Press Release dated January 14, 2010

Update 1/25/10:

On January 21, 2010, the court noticed a “Change of Plea” hearing for Sirtaj Mathauda for February 8, 2010 at 3:30 p.m.

Update 4/15/10:

On April 13, 2010, Dilraj Mathauda was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Joan A. Lenard in Miami to a term of 115 months in prison and a term of five years of supervised release.  A hearing to determine the amount of restitution owed by Mathauda will be scheduled within 90 days.  For additional information, see the Department of Justice Press Release dated April 14, 2010.

Update 6/8/10:

At the change of plea hearing, which was rescheduled to February 24, 2010, defendant Sirtaj Mathauda did not plead guilty.  As a result, the trial in the case of United States v. Sirtaj Mathauda has been scheduled to begin during the Court’s “two-week trial period” that begins June 21, 2010.  Trial will be held in the federal courthouse at 400 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida, before U.S. District Judge Joan A. Lenard.

Update 6/17/10:

At a hearing on June 16, 2010, the Court granted a motion by defense counsel to withdraw from the case.  The Court ordered that a new attorney be appointed to represent defendant Sirtaj Mathauda, and that the trial date be continued to September 27, 2010.

Update 4/22/11:

Trial in the case of United States v. Sirtaj Mathauda is now scheduled to begin on April 26, 2011.  Trial will be held in the federal courthouse at 400 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida, before U.S. District Judge Joan A. Lenard.

Update 5/13/11:

On May 10, 2011, defendant Sirtaj Mathauda was found guilty by a jury of 12 felony counts, including conspiracy, nine counts of mail fraud and two counts of wire fraud.  For additional information, see the Department of Justice Press Release dated May 10, 2011.  Sentencing for Sirtaj Mathauda has been scheduled for July 25, 2011, before Judge Joan Lenard in Miami.