Vorce being returned to Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A U.S. Magistrate in Milwaukee signed an order Thursday clearing the way for Michael Vorce to return to Michigan and face charges of bank fraud, money laundering, and wire fraud.

Vorce faced similar charges in Wisconsin after he and James Jett were arrested in Milwaukee earlier this year on money laundering charges. Those charges against Vorce were dismissed Thursday allowing him to be transported back to Michigan for arraignmment in the original fraud case.

According to court documents from U.S. District Court in Milwaukee, Vorce and James Jett obtained $3.5 million in loans to buy boats. It's alleged they were stealing the identities of people who could qualify for the large loans.

Wisconsin authorities also allege that they used the proceeds of the loans to purchase gold. According to the court document, "They typically sold the gold immediately upon obtaining it," and that the purpose of selling the gold was to "...conceal (Vorce's) and Jett's ownership and control of the loan proceeds."

Jett remains in Wisconsin and Vorce will now be returned to Michigan to face the original bank fraud and other charges.

Wisconsin authorities dismissed the charges against Vorce "without prejudice" leaving it open for them to the reinstate charges at anytime.