A Chesapeake man has admitted to wire fraud after misusing a company credit card for personal expenses exceeding $100,000. Brandon Thompson, 44, who served as an administrator for a Virginia joint venture involving physicians and Sentara Hospital, entered his guilty plea today.
Thompson's role included responsibilities such as purchasing equipment and managing budgets. However, from January 2018 to February 2023, he used the company card for personal expenses like rent, wedding reception costs, divorce attorney fees, groceries, luxury items including diamonds and airline tickets, and even a country club membership initiation fee.
Sentencing is set for May 9, 2025. Thompson could face up to 20 years in prison; however, federal sentences are often less than the maximum penalties. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The announcement was made by Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, alongside Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. This followed U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller's acceptance of Thompson's plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton D. LaForge is handling the prosecution of this case.
Further details can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or through PACER by searching Case No. 2:24-cr-128.