ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, October 13, 1996 TAG: 9610140081
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-7 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: ALEXANDRIA
A federal judge has sentenced a Northern Virginia real estate lawyer to more than four years in prison for defrauding lenders and home buyers of nearly $5 million.
Thomas H. Dameron apologized Friday before U.S. District Judge Albert Bryan Jr. sentenced him to 51 months in prison, the minimum under federal guidelines. Dameron pleaded guilty in July to bank fraud and money laundering under a plea agreement.
According to prosecutors, Dameron, 58, skimmed money from settlements on home sales and refinancings from his extensive real estate practice.
The defense contended Dameron was desperate for money because of a depressed real estate market.
The judge could have fined Dameron but declined, noting that all of Dameron's assets were tied up in bankruptcy court. Bryan did order that all proceeds from the bankruptcy be used to repay victims.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 29 linesby CNB