A federal judge in Honolulu ordered former world kick-boxing champion Dennis Alexio this morning to remain in federal custody in his theft, tax fraud and money laundering case until he can be placed at a halfway house.

U.S. District Judge Michael Seabright overruled a decision by a federal magistrate judge last week allowing Alexio to be released on an unsecured $24,000 signature bond. Federal prosecutors appealed the magistrate judge’s ruling.

Seabright said he was concerned that Alexio poses a flight risk.  

Alexander Silvert, first assistant federal public defender, said he did not know when space will be available at the Mahoney Hale halfway house.

Alexio is being held at the Federal Detention Center. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 22.