Photo by Matt de Simone
Khari Ryder, former executive director of the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce, pleaded no contest this morning in Botetourt Circuit Court in Fincastle to one felony count and two misdemeanor counts of embezzlement.
For the two misdemeanor charges, Ryder received two separate 12-month jail sentences, both of which were suspended. On the felony charge – which carried a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison – he was instead sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution.
Following the hearing, Chamber Board President William Nelms issued an official statement regarding the matter. The statement reads as follows:
The Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce issues the following official statement regarding today’s resolution of the criminal case involving disgraced former Executive Director Khari Ryder:
After well over a year of thoughtful investigation by the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office and the Botetourt County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Mr. Ryder was indicted earlier this year by a grand jury of his peers on felony embezzlement charges. Those investigative efforts uncovered a deliberate defrauding of the Chamber and its resources – resources that exist only through the support and investment of our members.
Today’s result marks a significant milestone toward justice and accountability. Mr. Ryder was entrusted with leading our Chamber and, instead, he chose to defraud the very organization he was meant to serve. His actions were a betrayal of trust and a direct attack on the Chamber’s mission and the businesses that sustain it. This outcome makes clear that betrayal of trust has consequences.
Through both our internal investigation and the criminal investigation, no evidence has been found that member data was directly compromised. The wrongdoing centered solely on the Chamber’s organizational resources.
While this chapter has been painful, it has also made us stronger. Over the past year, the Chamber has engaged forensic accountants, strengthened financial oversight, and implemented safeguards to ensure that no one in a position of trust will ever again be able to abuse it.
Today, the Chamber is operating in one of the healthiest and most stable positions in its 80-year history. Membership is growing, sponsorships are thriving, events are successful, and our financials are sound. We are preparing to launch new programs that create opportunities for businesses of all sizes, expand partnerships with local government and schools, and elevate Botetourt County as a premier place to live, work, and build.
This is the official statement of the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce on this matter. With this chapter now closed, we are focused fully on the future – a future defined by transparency, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the businesses and people of Botetourt County.
A detailed look at Wednesday’s hearing can be found in the upcoming September 3 edition of The Fincastle Herald.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
