Man Who Promised Virginia Tech $30M Donation Sentenced to Prison

A man who promised Virginia Tech a $30 million donation has been sentenced to prison for wire fraud and money laundering.

The Washington Post reports that Phillip Barnard was sentenced to five years and three months in prison Tuesday in federal court. Barnard pleaded guilty earlier this year.

Prosecutors said Barnard never had any legitimate business success, and instead paid for his luxury lifestyle with funds he had stolen. Victims testified that Barnard would approach them about investment opportunities with quick payoffs, and then prod them to invest more cash.