Demetrios Florakis, chairman of the City of Williamsburg’s Planning Commission, has been indicted on a felony embezzlement charge, court records show.
A grand jury issued a direct indictment Jan. 15, pushing the case forward to trial. A trial date has not yet been set, said Williamsburg-James City County Commonwealth’s Attorney Nate Green. The indictment came down the same day Florakis was named chairman of the Planning Commission.
After the indictment, Florakis cooperated with authorities, retained counsel and turned himself in, Green said. He did not serve any jail time.
The Williamsburg Police Department received a report April 28 from Courthouse Construction Inc. accusing Florakis, who has partnered with the firm on the City Lofts project that aims to convert a Quality Inn on Richmond Road into one-bedroom apartments for students, of using construction materials from their partnership on a construction project not associated with CCI.
Florakis, a developer who owns several properties throughout the City of Williamsburg, has retained state Sen. Tommy Norment as his attorney.
“I believe this is more of a civil case than a criminal case,” said Norment, who added he did not want to try the case in the media. “It is my expectation that while this is an embarrassing experience for Mr. Florakis, ultimately he will be found not guilty of any criminal activities at all.”
James Jenkins, a contractor, is facing a grand larceny charge in connection with the CCI accusations. His first court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
A value for the construction materials allegedly taken was not available.
Gregory Connolly and James Needham contributed reporting for this article.
