Wis. hearing upcoming for alleged spam mastermind

MILWAUKEE — A federal judge in Wisconsin is expected to set a trial date for the Russian man accused of masterminding a worldwide spam network.

Prosecutors say Oleg Nikolaenko ran a network so pervasive that it may have sent as many as one in three unwanted e-mails in the world.

A hearing to schedule his court dates is set for this morning.

Earlier this month a judge denied bond for the 23-year-old, saying his access to cash and lack of ties to the U.S. made him a flight risk. Defense attorney Christopher Van Wagner said at the time he might appeal.

Van Wagner entered a not-guilty plea on his client's behalf to a charge of violating a U.S. anti-spam act. The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of three years.