The legal saga of Allen Stanford

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A US judge said on Thursday that accused swindler Allen Stanford's criminal fraud trial will start in January 2011, later than prosecutors had hoped. Following is a chronology of some of the main events in Stanford's legal saga:
Feb 17 - Stanford and three of his companies charged with "massive ongoing fraud" in a civil complaint filed in federal court in Dallas by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Feb 26 - Laura Pendergest-Holt, chief investment officer for Stanford Financial Group, is arrested by FBI. She is subsequently freed on bail.

June 18 - Stanford surrenders to authorities in Virginia after criminal charges finally filed against him.

June 19 - US Justice Department officials say Stanford, three associates and a top Caribbean regulator indicted on fraud, conspiracy and obstruction charges in elaborate USD7 billion Ponzi scheme to bilk investors. Stanford appears in Virginia courtroom in shackles and is later transferred to Houston for bail hearing.

June 25 - Stanford pleads "not guilty" to fraud charges in Houston.

June 30 - A federal judge orders Stanford held without bail until trial.

Aug 27 - James Davis, former chief financial officer of Stanford International Bank, pleads guilty to charges stemming from the alleged fraud. Davis, who had been cooperating with federal prosecutors, faces a maximum of 30 years in prison on the conspiracy, fraud and obstruction charges.

Sept 24 - Stanford injured in brawl with another inmate and taken to hospital.

Dec 17 - A US judge says Stanford's criminal fraud trial will start in January 2011, later than prosecutors had hoped.