Federal officials have filed a motion Monday in hopes of blocking an attempt to unfreeze embattled Twin Cities businessman Tom Petters’ assets so that potential investor lawsuits can move forward.

The government is objecting to an attempt by Ritchie Investments to convince a judge to lift the restraining order and asset freeze that prevents more lawsuits and judgements against Petters Group Worldwide.

The government says that despite Ritchie’s claim, the company’s assets are ‘pristine and played no role in the massive fraud scheme’ allegedly perpetuated by Petters.

Federal authorities further explained that the assets were indeed involved in the scheme and should remain frozen in order to eventually payback any alleged victims.

In a separate motion, the court-appointed receiver of Petters’ assets, Doug Kelley, submitted a document also objecting to Ritchie’s motion, stating Petters Group Worldwide funds eventually were used to pay payments to the company’s investors.

Petters is accused of a multi-billion dollar Ponzi scheme. He has maintained his innocence since his arrested in September.

COURT DOCUMENTS:
 View the release request
 Read Petters motion to be freed
 Read Petters detention documents
 Read the affidavit
 Petters Group Worldwide bankruptcy documents
 Intervention in Petters case denied

BACKGROUND ON THE STORY:
 Biography of Tom Petters
 In the market for a boat? Tom Petters is selling his
 Tom Petters' associate freed from home detention
 Petters associate asks to be removed from home monitoring
 Judge denies Petters's change of venue request
 Federal prosecutors respond to Petters' request to move trial
 Petters associate to be 'immediately' released from jail
 Petters requests change of venue for trial
 Petters co-defendant asks for frivolous monthly increases
 Petters associate asks for jail release
 Judge revokes bail for Petters associate
 Petters associate to be searched again for assets
 Motion filed to send Petters associate to jail
 OFFICIAL: Petters hiding money from court 
 Petters makes third request for release
 FEDS: Petters' associate knew of scheme
 Attorneys say Petters not a flight risk
 Petters' attorney: 'There's been rush to judgment'
 Petters associate transported to Sherburne Co. Jail 
 Petters Group Worldwide files for Ch. 11 
 Petters ordered held, 3 associates plead guilty 
 Excelsior man charged in Petters matter
 Petters charged with fraud, will be held in jail 
 Court documents unsealed in Petters case 
 Petters resigns 
 Petters meets with employees after raid
 Warrant alleges $100M fraud by Petters

HOW THE CASE AFFECTS OTHERS:
 Petters case leaves Rochester bank out $7.1M
 Non-profits, charity groups sue Petters, associates 
 Top Minn. politicians return Petters donations 
 Hedge fund sues Petters, alleging swindle
 How bad is it? Sun Country says they're $4M in debt
 Sun Country files for bankruptcy protection 
 Sun Country warns of possible shutdown 
 Sun Country defers half of paychecks 
 Interview with Sun Country's CEO