June 17, 2014 Worcester, MA -- A federal judge ordered that TelexFree co-owner James Merrill be released on bail while awaiting trial for fraud, saying that prosecutors had not proven that he would flee if released. Merrill has been held in a Rhode Island detention center for the past five weeks. His business partner, Carlos Wanzeler, fled to his native Brazil shortly after federal agents raided TelexFree's offices in April. Under Brazilian law, he cannot be extradited to the U.S.

The judge cited Merrill's "strong family and community ties" in his decision, noting that Merrill and his wife have been married for 23 years, have lived in Ashland, MA since 1997, and have three children. In addition, he cited Merrill's record of coaching youth sports and his lack of a prior arrest record.

Merrill will be required to wear a GPS ankle bracelet and be placed in his wife's custody. He must remain in his house every day from 8 PM to 8 AM and must relinquish his passport.