Prominent banker set to be released from prison

NAPLES — Jerry Williams, once one of the most celebrated bankers in Florida, could be in line for a Happy Halloween: He's scheduled to be released from federal prison Oct. 30.

The former president, CEO and chairman of Naples-based Orion Bank, Williams is coming to the end of what was originally a six-year federal prison term for his role in a widespread bank fraud case. He has most recently been housed at a residential re-entry facility in Nashville, according to a U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons website, and was previously at other facilities. Prison officials couldn't be reached for comment on what, if any, conditions Williams must adhere to or where he will live after he's released.

Williams, now 57, pleaded guilty in February 2012 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and making false statements to banking regulators while at the helm of Orion — which grew to a $2.7 billion bank. “Williams orchestrated a complex conspiracy to fraudulently raise capital and falsify bank records in order to mislead state and federal regulators as to the bank's true financial condition,” according to a 2012 statement from the U.S. Attorney's office for the Middle District of Florida, which prosecuted Williams.