Keith Simmons, owner of Black Diamond Capital Solutions, LLC, and several other businesses in Ashe County, was arrested Thursday and charged with money laundering, wire fraud and conspiracy, according to Stephanie Craig, acting media representative with the Charlotte Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Ashe County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the investigation and arrest, according to Sheriff James Williams.

Williams said the investigation of Simmons began “some time ago” and evolved to the federal level, at which time his office contacted the FBI.

Simmons is the owner of High South Realty in Jefferson, which opened in July 2007, said Broker-in-Charge Stan Elliott. The building houses both High South Realty and Black Diamond Capital Solutions, LLC. According to their website, Black Diamond offers commercial lending, non-traditional finance, consulting, acquisitions and mergers and growth programs for investors.

According to Elliott, High South Realty is not involved in the investigation. He said last week that he had not been contacted by the FBI or Ashe County Sheriff’s Department.