Former Ga bank executive pleads guilty in fraud

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 /> <br /> Authorities say 63-year-old Jay Patrick Gardner entered the plea in federal court in Savannah on Friday.<br /> <br /> Gardner was a vice president of the First National Bank of Savannah, which regulators shut down in June 2010.<br /> <br /> 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 /> <br /> Gardner is one of seven former First National officers named in a 35-count indictment. He has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.<br /> <br /> The six remaining defendants are set for trial Dec. 4. Each has pleaded not guilty.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/10/267187