Wheeling, West Virginia — A Wheeling businessman pleaded guilty Monday to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud numerous investors and employees of a real estate development company out of millions of dollars.
Jeffrey James Morris, 37, managing member of Roxby Development LLC, admitted one count of wire fraud and one count of willful overpayment of taxes. Court documents say he used misleading information to induce investment in the Scottish Rite cathedral. The indictment alleges that approximately 20 investors were persuaded to invest in these projects, and that nearly $7 million went to Mr. Morris from the investors.
Morris also acquired other major properties in Ohio County, including the McClure House Hotel and Mount Carmel Monastery. These two properties were foreclosed on her in 2023. The Abbey will be turned over by Morris to its primary lienholder pursuant to a plea agreement.
Mr. Morris also admitted that he had Roxby Development collect payroll taxes on behalf of his employees, but the funds were not paid to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
U.S. Attorney William Ehrenfeld said Morris must pay $5,129,113.32 in restitution to investors and an additional $526,476.58 in taxes, penalties and interest to the IRS. Stated.
Mr. Morris was indicted in September 2023 on 18 counts of wire fraud and 10 counts of tax failure. He could face up to six-and-a-half years in prison.
