Michael Vorce makes deal in boat fraud case

Tue, Jun 2, 2009

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) — A Grand Rapids man facing fraud charges in Michigan and Wisconsin in a scheme to buy yachts and gold plans to plead guilty and avoid trial.

Michael Vorce's lawyer and a federal prosecutor in Grand Rapids said he wants to consolidate the cases in federal court in Grand Rapids.

Vorce and an accomplice are accused of lying to banks in Michigan and Wisconsin to get millions in loans. The scheme also involves allegations of identity theft.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim VerHey recently added a tax charge against Vorce.

U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell has set the next court hearing for June 23 in Grand Rapids.