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Bluffton man gets 20 months for bank fraud

From staff reports

Published Friday, June 3, 2011 | 181 Words |

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A Bluffton man who pleaded guilty to bank fraud has been sentenced to 20 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $6.7 million in restitution, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Charleston.

Blair Witkowski, a former mortgage loan officer at Carolina First Bank on Hilton Head Island, was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. He was sentenced May 24.

Once the properties involved have been sold, the restitution amount may be recalculated, Witkowski said Friday.

Witkowski had faced a maximum of 30 years in prison, but the government moved for a reduced sentence because of his cooperation in the case. Federal officials in New Jersey are prosecuting at least five others because of his help, Witkowski's attorney has said in court documents.

Witkowski said he has "deep remorse and regret" for his actions. He also thanked family and friends for their support.

"I do realize I cannot repair all the damage I have done and the loss that resulted from my actions," he said.