Ofer Biton out on $1.5 million bail

NEW YORK — A former fundraiser for a New York City congressman is free on $1.5 million bail after spending 50 days behind bars in an immigration fraud case.

Ofer Biton (OH'-fur BEE'-tohn) was released Wednesday by a Brooklyn federal court magistrate after his eighth bail hearing.

Biton is an Israeli businessman. He helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Rep. Michael Grimm in 2010.

Biton is charged with lying about his finances when applying for a visa.

Biton's arrest came during an FBI probe of donations to Grimm's campaign from followers of an Israeli rabbi. Some donors have said they broke campaign finance law.

The Republican congressman and former FBI agent says his campaign followed fundraising rules and took measures to vet contributions.