Ex-Richmond developer pleads guilty to 2 charges

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A former Richmond developer awaiting sentencing for fraudulently obtaining historic tax credits has pleaded guilty to two additional charges.

Billy Gene Jefferson Jr. pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to unlawful transfer of a false identification document and aggravated identity theft. According to prosecutors, Jefferson created a fake Arkansas driver’s license and tried to use it to charter a one-way flight to England in November. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 for those offenses.

The 52-year-old Jefferson also faces up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine for fraudulently obtaining more than $12 million in state and federal tax credits by inflating renovation costs on 11 historic properties in Richmond. Sentencing is set for Sept. 9.

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