(Wineindustryinsight) - Jeffry Hill, who is free on bail after his Nov. 2, 2016 federal fraud charges, has been “webwashing” his reputation as a leg up on vocational rehabilitation once his plea deal with prosecutors is finalized.

Hill was originally scheduled to appear in San Francisco Federal District Court last Tuesday (May 9) for a status hearing. However, that was rescheduled for May 23. According to a Stipulation and Order signed by Judge Richard Seeborg, “Counsel for the parties represent that they are close to reaching an agreement on an appeal.”

The federal fraud arrest in question charges him with four counts each of wire & mail fraud. Federal prosecutors were seeking at least $1.5 million in restitution. The charges stem from a wine and grape fraud scheme (June 25, 2014: “TTB Carpet Bombs Hill Wine Co With Felony Allegations”).