Defendant Lawyer in Fla. Case Can’t Judge New Zealand Cat Show

A Florida lawyer federally charged in an $83 million mortgage loan scheme, although freed on signature bond, can't travel to New Zealand to judge a cat show.

Attorney John Yanchek of Sarasota is "a recognized international feline judge," as well as a breeder of Oriental Shorthairs and Somalis, according to a defense pleading. However, that "is hardly a compelling reason" to allow him to travel abroad, a federal prosecutor wrote in response, and U.S. Magistrate Mary Scriven agreed, reports the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Yanchek, 48, allegedly served as legal counsel for three men who are charged with participating in an $82.8 million scheme to defraud seven banks on Florida's west coast.

Related coverage:

Herald-Tribune (2006): "Attorney: Yanchek should be disbarred"