John Rogers, a booking photo from Dec. 3, 2015.
Alleged serial fraudster John Rogers pleaded not guilty to one count of felony wire fraud at his Friday arraignment in Chicago federal court.
Rogers, 43, is accused of scheming “to fraudulently obtain at least approximately $10 million” from investors, financial institutions and customers.
The former owner of Sports Card Plus and Rogers Photo Archive of North Little Rock appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Mason and posted an unsecured $100,000 bond. Rogers was allowed to attend the arraignment despite a court order to not travel outside Arkansas.
The order in North Little Rock District Court, which also required him to wear an ankle bracelet to track his whereabouts and surrender his passport, is connected with felony theft and burglary charges.
The plea comes after prosecutors last month leveled long-expected fraud charges against Rogers. An eight-page document (PDF), called an “information” because Rogers waived his right to be indicted by a grand jury, contained a single charge of felony wire fraud and accused Rogers of scheming “to fraudulently obtain at least approximately $10 million” from investors, financial institutions and customers.
The U.S. Attorney alleges Rogers made false statements to investors and lenders that were supported by forged contracts, bogus certificates of authenticity, phantom assets, counterfeit sports memorabilia and more.
Rogers posted a $50,000 bond on Dec. 8, 2015, after pleading not guilty to stealing three hard drives containing digital images valued at $364,167 from his former office.
Rogers has remained largely free since his business and home were raided by federal agents nearly three years ago.
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