West Islip man who pleaded guilty to 'Rebecca' fraud out on bail

A West Islip man who pleaded guilty this week to two frauds -- one involving the supposed financing of a Broadway production of a musical version of "Rebecca" -- was released on bail Wednesday pending sentencing, officials said.

Mark Hotton, 47, put up properties in Alaska and New Jersey worth $1 million to secure a total of $3 million in bail, according to officials.

In addition to the bail, U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert in Central Islip ordered Hotton to wear an electronic monitor and to steer clear of sales or finance jobs.

Seybert also forbade Hotton from opening any new bank accounts or starting any new companies, officials said.

The judge said Hotton could not leave his home unless he was going to work, a medical appointment or a religious service.

"We are pleased with the decision," said one of Hotton's attorneys, Marianne Rantala of Commack.

Hotton pleaded guilty in federal court in Manhattan on Monday to two counts of fraud involving a Connecticut real estate company and the would-be Broadway production of "Rebecca." He faces up to 41 months in prison.

On Tuesday, in federal court in Central Islip, he pleaded guilty to money laundering for running various unrelated frauds since 1995. In that case, he faces up to 121 months in prison.