Bond lifted in fraud case against Utah businessman at the center of attorneys general scandal

A judge is lifting a $2.8 million bond on Utah businessman Jeremy Johnson, who faces Internet fraud charges.

A court order issued Monday shows federal judge Paul Warner still thinks there is some flight risk, and left in place travel restrictions that bar Johnson from leaving the state without permission.

Johnson's lawyers say 16 people helped post the bond to secure Johnson's release in the case in 2011, and they've had financial difficulties.

He is scheduled to go on trial in September.

Prosecutors say his company offered bogus government grants online. He has pleaded not guilty.

Johnson is a central figure in the cases against former Utah attorneys general Mark Shurtleff and John Swallow, who are accused of accepting gifts from him.