Paul Ceglia of Wellsville told a federal judge on Tuesday that threats from Facebook are behind his attorney request to withdraw from the case.

A federal magistrate heard Dean Boland's request Tuesday, but delayed any decision after Ceglia told the court he wanted to retain Boland.

The judge gave Boland until Dec. 4th to outline why he wants to be removed.

At least a half dozen lawyers and firms have withdrawn from the case before Boland.

Ceglia is charged with fraud; accused of doctoring and destroying evidence to support his two-year-old civil suit against Facebook.