SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) -- A former executive pleaded guilty in a fraud scheme that contributed to the failure of a Georgia bank three years ago.<br />
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Authorities say 63-year-old Jay Patrick Gardner entered the plea in federal court in Savannah on Friday.<br />
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Gardner was a vice president of the First National Bank of Savannah, which regulators shut down in June 2010.<br />
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The Savannah Morning News ( http://bit.ly/1bp468z ) reports that Gardner admitted his involvement in a $74,000 loan which federal prosecutors say was part of a scheme to cover financial problems for a real estate developer.<br />
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Gardner is one of seven former First National officers named in a 35-count indictment. He has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.<br />
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The six remaining defendants are set for trial Dec. 4. Each has pleaded not guilty.
