Mannigel fraud case set for trial

Hank Murphy

      Accused Spread Eagle fraudster Gary Mannigel will stand trial in April after refusing a plea deal offered by Florence County District Attorney Doug Drexler.

      On Tuesday, Judge Leon Stenz set a trial date of April 19 and 20 for the 52-year-old marina businessman who stands accused of 14 counts of fraud in connection with his business dealings at Spread Eagle Marine. The charges against him, 11 of which are felonies, carry a combined maximum prison sentence of more than 75 years.

      Stenz asked Mannigel, who was in the courtroom, if he understood the plea deal could be withdrawn at any time.

      “Yes, Sir,” Mannigel replied.

      After Tuesday’s proceeding, Drexler said he could not divulge terms of the plea bargain offered to Mannigel. He said the deal remains on the table – for the time being – as he prepares for a trial that consolidates all counts and could include testimony by as many as 25 prosecution witnesses.

      “We’ll see if Mr. Mannigel has the stomach for this,” Drexler said.

      Mannigel’s attorney, Michael Scholke of Iron Mountain, told Stenz that he had no witnesses lined up.

      Mannigel, who has been behind bars since his arrest in October 2009, appeared at Tuesday’s final pre-trial conference wearing jail stripes. He was shackled at the wrists and ankles. He stands accused of theft, transferring encumbered property and issuing worthless checks.

      Originally, Mannigel had been charged with 12 felonies. On Tuesday, Drexler dismissed one felony count and amended another.

      Along with criminal charges, Mannigel faces civil actions in excess of $760,000, court records show.