Evan Montvel-Cohen is headed home tonight after court orders were signed placing him on pre-trial release.
The local businessman has been in federal custody since March 10.
Calling him a convicted felon, con-man, and serious fraudster, the federal government has strongly argued for Montvel-Cohen’s continued detention.
But there isn’t enough convincing evidence to show that Montvel-Cohen is a danger to the community, according to District Court Magistrate Judge Michael Bordallo who signed the release.
Montvel-Cohen was released to a third-party custodian who will reside with him at an address deemed suitable by the federal court and the US Probation.
As part of the release conditions, Montvel-Cohen will need to report to US Probation Services and is subject to drug testing.
He was charged with stealing the identity of former associate and long time friend Benjamin Myers. Authorities believe that Montvel-Cohen assumed Meyers’ identity and used it to retain rental space last November.
A pre-trial conference and hearing on all motions has been set for May 21.
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