NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Ronald Boone, Sr., a prominent builder in Norfolk, pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to bank fraud and bribing Norfolk City Treasurer Anthony Burfoot.
According to an indictment, Ronald Boone as well as other individuals knowingly and unlawfully executed and attempted to execute a scheme to defraud Fulton Bank and BB&T Bank with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Court documents also cite that between March 2004 and December 2014, Ronald Boone, Anthony Burfoot and other individuals conspired with each other to scheme and defraud the citizens of Norfolk through bribery.
The indictment also states that Ronald Boone secretly provided cash, gifts, and other things of value to Anthony Burfoot in exchange for Burfoot to perform specific official actions and other official actions on an as-needed basis.
Burfoot, who is the Treasurer for Norfolk, is currently awaiting trial on federal corruption charges.
In a plea agreement reached with attorneys, for Boone's full and truthful cooperation, the U.S. will give immunity from further criminal prosecution for the specific conduct described in the case against Boone or any member of his family in the eastern district of Virginia.
The agreement does not, however, give Boone or any member of his family immunity from any other criminal violations and the U.S. can prosecute Boone for criminal conduct that is not described in the statement of facts regarding the case.
The indictment alleges Boone provided cash, dinners, access to a beach house to Burfoot in exchange for official acts. @13NewsNow
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In June, federal agents seized items from the Judy Boone Realty building in Ocean View, where Boone Builders Inc. is based.
Judy Boone, a realtor and wife of Ronald, issued the following statement Friday regarding her husband's guilty plea:
This is a most difficult time for our family. While Ronald Boone, Sr. has taken full responsibility for his actions, I defer all particulars to his attorneys. Please know that Judy Boone Realty, as well as the agents who work there, will continue to operate business as usual. I love my husband and ask that the community remember all the good works he has achieved and the people he has helped in Hampton Roads through his numerous charitable works and community efforts. My family and I ask for your prayers and for his forgiveness.
Stay with 13News Now for more updates on this developing story.
Indictment of Ronald Boone, Sr. by 13News Now on Scribd