RICHMOND, Va. — A former University of Virginia NFL football player has been indicted on federal fraud charges that could result in decades in prison.
A grand jury returned an indictment against Christopher A. Harrison on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The 52-year-old developer is charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, engaging in financial transactions using property derived from crime, and aggravated identity theft.
Prosecutors accuse Mr. Harrison of skimming loan proceeds intended for two real estate projects: the Model Tobacco Complex in South Richmond and the Whitaker Park project in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Harrison used some of the money to buy luxury goods for himself, including $60,000 on a Rolex watch, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors said Harrison also used the money to pay off a personal mortgage, pay for landscaping services for his home, and pay for his children’s tuition and tutoring.
The alleged crime also involves one of Central Virginia’s most notorious “eyesores.”
Harrison is the former owner of the old Ramada Inn, which stood for decades on East Washington Street in Petersburg overlooking Interstate 95.
Prosecutors said Mr. Harrison used some of the funds he is accused of embezzling to pay legal costs related to a lawsuit over proposed improvements to the hotel and surrounding area. Harrison ultimately ended up selling the property back to the city of Petersburg in 2022.
Harrison was a standout offensive lineman at UVA in the mid-1990s. He then played four seasons in the NFL before starting a career in real estate.
If convicted, he could face more than 30 years in prison, although the Justice Department says the sentences for the crimes he is accused of are typically less than the maximum penalty.
This is a developing story. If you have information you would like to share, please email the CBS 6 newsroom.
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