Jailed TV pitchman gets another shot at freedom

CHICAGO — TV pitchman Kevin Trudeau will have another chance to argue for his freedom after spending nearly a week in jail for failing to pay a $37 million civil judgment.

The 50-year-old has a status hearing in federal court in Chicago on Monday, when his judge will decide if he’s been more forthcoming about his assets while behind bars. Trudeau’s been in jail for contempt since Tuesday.

The Federal Trade Commission sued Trudeau for deceiving viewers about weight-loss claims. It says he’s hiding assets in shell companies.

Before Judge Robert Gettleman jailed him last week, Trudeau insisted he’s disclosed all his global assets. But Gettleman told Trudeau he didn’t believe him.

But Gettleman also said receivers needed to be clear and detailed about what more information they wanted Trudeau to provide.