Former Football Player Sentenced for Bankruptcy Fraud

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Richard Francis Sanford, age 54, of Lexington, pled guilty in federal court in Columbia to bankruptcy fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(1), and was sentenced to two years’ probation, 30 days of home confinement, and 100 hours of community service. Senior United States District Judge Matthew J. Perry, Jr., presided.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Sanford is a chiropractor and former professional football player who attempted to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code. As part of the bankruptcy filing, he had to disclose all of his assets. On February 17, 2009, in a filing to the bankruptcy court, Sanford knowingly omitted the fact that he had a one-quarter interest in a condominium in Vail, Colorado. That interest was ultimately sold for $70,000. When confronted with this omission by the trustee, he withdrew his petition. As a result, his debts have not been discharged in bankruptcy.

The case was developed by the Office of the United States Bankruptcy Trustee and ultimately turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.