Former Philly sheriff indicted for fraud, conspiracy

A former sheriff for Philadelphia has been indicted on charges of “conspiracy and four counts of honest services fraud involving the Sheriff’s Office,” PhillyVoice reports.

John Green, 68, was allegedly involved in a conspiracy within which Montgomery County man James Davis’ companies were given total control of court-ordered property sales.

According to the indictment, Davis was the co-owner of Reach Communications Specialists, and RCS Searchers Inc, a communications firm and settlement company respectively.

“Green gave Davis’ companies hidden contracts, business and fees from the real estate sales conducted by the Sheriff’s Office from 2002 to 2010, prosecutors allege. Davis allegedly provided Green more than $530,000 in hidden personal benefits. Davis also handled advertising for Green’s 2007 re-election campaign,” PhillyVoice reports.

Davis, In addition to the charges leveled against Green, was charged with filing a false tax return and failure to file a tax return.

In addition to the fraud and conspiracy, Davis was also allegedly allowed to hand out jobs in the Sheriff’s Office to friends and family.

If found guilty Green could face a sentence of 85 years and a fine, while Davis could face a fine and 94 years in prison.

Green is reportedly scheduled to appear in court Friday afternoon.

Matt Lee is a Web producer for Metro New York. He writes about almost everything and anything. Talk to him (or yell at him) on Twitter so he doesn’t feel lonely@mattlee2669.