FAYETTEVILLE — Jim Bolt, who pleaded guilty in January to federal mail and wire fraud related to his purported alternative cancer treatment clinic, Situs Cancer Research Center, in Rogers, was appointed a new attorney Wednesday but his request for a new detention hearing wasn't addressed.

Bolt, 60, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and one count of money laundering in a plea bargain with prosecutors. The plea in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas in Fort Smith was taken by Judge Robert Dawson. Bolt is to be sentenced at a later date.

Drew Miller was appointed to represent Bolt.

Bolt contended his former lawyer, Herb Southern, had a conflict of interest. Southern -- who has denied the allegations -- asked to withdraw from the case, citing what he said are false statements made by Bolt.

Dawson granted Southern's motion to withdraw.

Bolt was denied bond in September after a magistrate found he was a flight risk, in part because a bag was found in his home containing his and his son's passports, $8,000 cash and other belongings.

The FBI launched an investigation into suspicious activity involving the Situs Cancer Research Center in August 2012. The investigation revealed Bolt committed mail and wire fraud by preparing and sending fraudulent documents containing forged signatures and false authentication features to various entities and individuals in order to persuade them to send him unclaimed property, money and other assets from defunct companies held by California for Community Medical Group of Corona.

The government contends Bolt took more than $2.5 million from Community Medical Group and at least two other companies.

Community Medical Group never authorized any transfer of its property to Situs.

Bolt faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the fraud charges and a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for money laundering. Bolt faces fines of up to $250,000 per count or a fine of not more than twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved.

Bolt agreed to pay full restitution to all victims, including those in the counts that will be dismissed. The judge will determine the amount of restitution. Bolt agreed to help identify assets transferred to third parties.

In the plea agreement, Bolt agreed to forfeit three properties prosecutors said were purchased with money derived from mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. The properties are 1222 W. Poplar St., 1204 W. Poplar and 303 S. Rife St., all in Rogers.

Bolt also forfeited two mobile medical units, a box truck, an Airstream recreational vehicle, two Volvo sport utility vehicles, a Suburban-style vehicle, a Toyota pickup, four airplanes, $8,900 cash, $111,971 from a bank account and other items.

NW News on 03/20/2014