Judge says former San Francisco real estate investor may be released from pretrial custody

A federal judge ruled that Luke Brugnara, indicted on nine counts of wire fraud and three of money laundering, may be released from custody if he posts a $100,000 bond, produces a $50,000 cashier's check, wears an ankle monitor, and stays away from firearms. This comes after his bail was revoked in February following an armed altercation at a beach and after he failed to appear at his own revocation hearing, later blaming a lack of communication with pretrial services.

Over six hearings, Brugnara offered escalating collateral packages including a Warhol painting and a title to his girlfriend's property, while prosecutors noted he owes over $700,000 in restitution and has paid just $600 of it. The judge acknowledged his cash offer, allegedly stored in a shoebox, but prosecutors called it evidence of hidden assets rather than reassurance.

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