FBI agent, county detective honored for fraud case work

FBI Special Agent Richard Poff and Detective Sgt. Brian Farris of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department have been awarded plaques of appreciation by Sheriff Randall Boyce for their work on the $40 million Roger Ritch fraud case.

"This was the largest fraud case of its kind that has ever happened in Bedford County and quite possibly one of the largest in the nation," Boyce said. "The fraud scheme led to the foreclosure of hundreds of homes in our county.

"This was a very complex case that took two years of researching to uncover exactly how the scheme was being implemented. If not for the tireless efforts of Agent Poff and Detective Farris this scheme would have never been uncovered."

The investigation began about three years ago when a man who was a victim of the scheme told Boyce he had purchased a home from Rich and something didn't seem right with his payments. Boyce said he immediately assigned Farris to investigate.

"As Detective Farris began his investigation numerous documents seemed to not be in order and as more evidence was gathered Agent Poff was asked to review them as well," Boyce said. "Many long and late hours and days were spent researching and reviewing bank documents, contracts and other related paperwork to determine all the laws that had been broken. If not for the dedication of these two officers this scheme would have never been uncovered and gone to court."

Poff was instrumental in getting Ritch, Carrie Snow, William T. McMahan and Bradley Aydelott indicted and prosecuted in federal court, Boyce said.

"We knew we couldn't get the money back for the families that had lost so much but we could stop this from happening to others and we could make the ones that were responsible pay for their actions."