Former VIHFA Executive Appeals Conviction Before Imprisonment
Darin Richardson, the former executive of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA), has filed an appeal against his conviction just before his scheduled self-surrender to serve a three-year prison sentence. Richardson was convicted on multiple counts, including making false statements to a federal agent, bank fraud, money laundering, and criminal conflict of interest. The charges stem from his involvement in a federally funded disaster recovery contract and a home construction loan. U.S. District Court Judge Mark Kearney sentenced Richardson in March, denying his request to remain free pending appeal. Richardson's attorney, Darren John-Baptiste, has challenged several evidentiary rulings, including testimony from Kimberly McCollum, a co-owner of the company that received the disaster recovery contract. The appeal also raises concerns about missing notes from a special agent's interview with Richardson, which were crucial to the false statement charge.