Former Vice President of Bank of America goes on trial

by Richard Kilner

Story link: Former Vice President of Bank of America goes on trial

The ex-Vice President of Bank of America, Robert Conner, is going on trial.

Conner, who held the responsibility for expanding the bank’s minority customer base, occupied his time by trading thousands of dollars of credit for backhanders. The machinations have led to a total of 21 individuals being implicated and subsequently charged in connection with Conner’s dealings.

One of those involved is the Democrat Rep. John L. Bowman Sr., who represents Missouri.

It is claimed that 77 credit lines were approved by Conner, who knew full well they were bogus, costing the Bank of America $1.85m.

Over half of those involved have confessed to paying bribes of up to $6,000 in return for the credit.

Some of those who have admitted guilt, but were only minor players, have been permitted to repay their debts and enter a form of probation called pre-trial diversion which will see their records remain clean.

Conner was in a position to approve credit for businesses with an annual revenue of a quarter of a million dollars or more. However, every defendant’s documentation was false, with imaginary figures and exaggerated revenue claims.

Suspicion was first raised by the bank itself, whilst holding an internal audit. It was quickly revealed that all the unusual activity had two common denominators: Conner, and a swift cash advance following credit card activation.

Bowman, a defendant who is maintaining his innocence, first became acquainted with Conner at a social gathering in Normandy in 2005. They talked of the bank’s minority interests, and later met with Conner again to fill out an application form.

Other defendants also recall meeting Conner socially, and many said they used the funds they gained to salvage their businesses or try to improve them.

As a prominent public figure, it is Bowman’s presence who has been responsible for the story attracting so much attention, even though Conner is the alleged prime mover in any criminal acts.

At first Bowman claimed he had never been arrested before, but it later came to light that he had been in Cole County, for passing a bad cheque. He has also been arrested in St. Louis County for misdemeanour stealing, though he has not been involved in any criminal court cases before.

Another discrepancy came to light when Bowman initially claimed to have filled out the application form, then later admitted to leaving certain portions of it blank.

Conner’s trial will begin today.