Photo courtesy of BCSO
By Matt de Simone, Managing Editor
Khari Kareem Ryder of Bent Mountain, the former Executive Director of the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce, is facing a direct indictment on a charge of embezzlement, casting a shadow over the well-respected Chamber.
A Botetourt County grand jury returned 37 indictments against 36 individuals when it met on March 3.
Ryder’s indictment from the Botetourt County Circuit Court states that “On or between February 1, 2021 and September 1, 2023… Ryder did unlawfully, feloniously and fraudulently use, dispose of, conceal or embezzle any money, bill, note, check, order, draft, bond, receipt, bill of lading or any other personal property, tangible or intangible valued at $1,000 or more which he shall have received for another or for his employer by virtue of his office trust or employment.”
When recently asked about the indictment, Ryder said that he wasn’t aware of the charges. He claimed that he looked into the direct indictment and said, “My name’s not on anything anywhere in any court system or any dockets short of them wanting to finish up their investigation from what they say.”
The former Chamber Executive Director mentioned an investigator had reached out approximately eight months ago about the case.
“I’m under the impression that if the investigator doesn’t know anything about this, then I don’t think there’s anything complete because there’s been no formal interviews or anything else,” Ryder continued. “So, I think that’s premature.”
The investigator in charge of this case is Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Christie Bolton, who last year worked with the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), U.S. Marshal’s Services of Roanoke, and U.S. Homeland Security on the apprehension of fugitive Michael Dennis Hightower, Jr. of Troutville in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
When asked about details on Ryder’s indictment, Bolton explained that she is currently in conversations with the Commonwealth and didn’t know how much information about the investigation “would be appropriate for (BCSO) to disseminate at this time.”
Bolton did say that there was a “lengthy” investigation into Ryder’s embezzlement charge that featured a lot of financial agencies that were also involved outside of BCSO to help with the case.
“There’s a lot of working pieces to this,” Investigator Bolton added.
Bolton said that she spoke with Ryder before any information had been investigated. She also said that Ryder contacted her immediately once he learned of the investigation.
“I reached back out to him and his response to me was that he would return my calls and get a date where we could do a formal interview,” Bolton continued. “He did not and I’ve called multiple times and he said he did not get any messages or anything like that, but he was able to find my phone number and call me (Friday). I (still) have not talked to him and it was not for lack of effort.”
Bolton said she went to Ryder’s residence last week, but was unsuccessful in speaking with him at that time.
Ryder said during a phone call last Friday that he planned to speak with BCSO to assist them with any information about him facing prosecution on an embezzlement charge. After the initial phone call was dropped, Ryder could not be reached for further comment.
A statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee on Friday noted that, through its board of directors, the Chamber cooperated with law enforcement in Botetourt County as the county investigated the matter.
“We note, however, that Mr. Ryder’s actions have caused tremendous damage to the Chamber and left the organization in a precarious position,” the statement goes on to read. “It was only through the unwavering support of our board and executive committee that we were able to navigate these difficult times. We understand the frustration and confusion that our members have felt, and we are grateful for their patience.”
The Chamber added that it looks forward “with renewed hope and confidence” remaining committed to providing those in the county with its resources.
“We are dedicated to transparency, accountability, and working collaboratively to ensure a prosperous future for the Botetourt County community,” the statement concluded. “We look forward to sharing our plan and vision with you.”
Ryder became the Executive Director of the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) last September. The organization released a statement last weekend announcing that Ryder had been “suspended from conducting any FHANA duties until further notice.”
Ryder has been formally served with an indictment for embezzlement on Monday, and released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
This remains an active investigation. The arraignment hearing for Ryder is scheduled on Tuesday, March 18 at 1:30 p.m.
