Former West Virginia guard Kerr Kriisa has been released from custody following his initial appearance in federal court in Kentucky as he faces five wire fraud charges tied to an alleged $2.2 million scheme.
Kriisa appeared in court Tuesday wearing shackles. During the hearing, the judge ordered his release under several conditions, including that he obey all federal and state laws, surrender his passport, and avoid any contact with alleged victims or potential witnesses. He did not enter a plea.
The hearing dealt primarily with procedural matters, as the case is being transferred to the Northern District of West Virginia, where the charges were originally filed. Kriisa is scheduled to make his first appearance in federal court in Clarksburg at 2:30 p.m. on July 16.
Federal agents arrested Kriisa on July 3 in Kentucky while he was preparing to play for the University of Kentucky’s alumni team in The Basketball Tournament.
According to the federal indictment, prosecutors allege Kriisa carried out a wire fraud scheme between 2022 and June 2026 that defrauded two West Virginia residents of approximately $2.2 million.
Prosecutors claim Kriisa repeatedly fabricated personal emergencies and financial crises to persuade the victims to send him money. The allegations include false claims that members of his family were in danger, that his mother had cancer, and that he was considering selling his organs to repay debts.
Authorities allege those stories were used to exploit the victims’ compassion and obtain financial support over an extended period.
Kriisa played the 2023–24 season at West Virginia before transferring to Kentucky and later finishing his college career at Cincinnati. His previous NCAA suspension at WVU for receiving impermissible benefits is unrelated to the current federal case.
If convicted, Kriisa faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Prosecutors are also seeking the forfeiture of approximately $2.2 million they allege was obtained through the scheme.
Kriisa is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
