Suspected Internet fraudster Olalekan Ponle aka Woodberry has pleaded not guilty to wire fraud charges leveled against him by the United States.
Woodberry appeared in court on Saturday and pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
The status hearing to ascertain if the case is set for trial will hold on August 8.
A court document obtained by PREMIUM TIMES highlighting his response to the charges read, “Defendant appears in response to his arrest on 7/2/20. Attorney, Michael Nash, appears on behalf of the defendant. Defendant informed of the charges against him as well as of the possible sentence fine if convicted of those charges.
“Arraignment proceedings held, Defendant acknowledges receipt of the Indictment, waives formal reading, and enters a plea of not guilty to each count in which he is named.”
Woodberry is facing charges bordering on wire fraud conspiracy after he was arrested in the United Arab Emirate on June 10 and extradited to the U. S. on July 2.
He was accused of tricking U. S. companies into sending wire transfers worth millions of dollars. Companies based in Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New York and California were victims of the fraud, prosecutors say.
He has been remanded in the custody of the United States Marshals Service and will remain in custody until further order of the court.
He may be sentenced to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
