Are you a part of the News/Talk 750 WSB VIP? Sign in or join now. Why join?
Text size: A A A
Feds charge Silicon Valley financier with fraud

By PAUL ELIAS
Associated Press Writer


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A once-high-flying Silicon Valley financier and former co-owner of the NHL's Nashville Predators was charged Thursday with fraud for allegedly bilking investors out of more than $100 million.

Prosecutors filed a single criminal charge against venture capitalist William "Boots" Del Biaggio III in San Francisco federal court on the same day the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a related lawsuit accusing the San Jose resident of using forged bank accounts as collateral for $45 million in loans.

The SEC also accused him of bilking investors out of nearly $20 million, while the criminal charge adds an additional $35 million in bank loans allegedly obtained with bogus collateral.

The U.S. attorney's office said Del Biaggio faces a maximum of 25 years in prison if found guilty, though he probably will be sentenced to substantially less than the maximum.

Both federal agencies accuse Del Biaggio, 41, of using the money to fund a lavish lifestyle that included "substantial gambling debts" and a $25 million stake in the Nashville Predators.

The SEC said Thursday that Del Biaggio already has settled the lawsuit by agreeing to let a judge "determine the amount of ill-gotten gains" and other penalties he'll have to repay.

"Mr. Del Biaggio is fully committed to continuing his efforts to cooperate with the investigation and to working in a responsible manner with all relevant authorities towards a satisfactory resolution of this matter," his lawyer, Eric MacMichael, said in a statement.



Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP material nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

send to a friend  view as printer-friendly  RSS feeds
advertisement
Kirk Mellish Weather
A few showers High: 66 Low: 55
Kirk's 5-Day Forecast | Kirk Mellish's weather blog | Local radar image
advertisement

Marketplace

Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network
Your online connection to Larry Munson and the Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network team!
"How to be Clark Smart in a Recession" Online Seminar sponsored by Associated Credit Union. Details
Experiencing persistent coughing, sneezing, congestion, headache, and sleepiness. It may be Sinusitis. View the Sinusitis Online Seminar Now. Find out more
Encore Azalea Online Seminar
“Planting Trees, Shrubs & Perennials: Right Plants in the Right Place” a Walter Reeves webinar. Watch Now
Prostate Proactivity
Get a free prostate exam in January. Find out how .
advertisement
Going Green
Help do your part to save water, reduce air pollution & greenhouse emissions. Go Green! Sponsored by Arrow Exterminators.
Read the AJC and stay on top of everything in Atlanta! Get delivery for less than $2 a week!
Join Channel 2 Action News anchors John Pruitt and Monica Pearson at 5, 6, and 11pm.