The Jacksonville Jaguars are having their best season of recent years, staying on top of two teams, the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, who have proven to also be near the top of the conference. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has played well, and the team seems to be gelling much better after a difficult time under previous head coach Urban Meyer. However, despite the good results on the field this season for the Jaguars, the team can’t get away from problems off the field.
News has broke that Amit Patel, former manager of financial planning and analysis, has been accused of stealing $22 million from the Jaguars by “exploiting the organization’s virtual credit card program.” Patel was employed by the Jaguars from 2018 to 2023, with the fraud occurring from 2019 to 2023.
Patel was fired in February 2023, with the team working with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office during the investigation. According to the court filing, Patel “used the proceeds of this scheme, in whole or part, to place bets with online gambling websites; to purchase a condominium in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; to pay for personal travel for himself and friends (including chartering private jets and booking luxury hotels and private rental residences); to acquire a new Tesla Model 3 sedan and Nissan pickup truck; to lodge a retainer with a criminal defense law firm; and to purchase cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens, electronics, sports memorabilia, a country club membership, spa treatments, concerts and sporting event tickets, home furnishings and luxury wrist watches.”
Patel has been charged with one count each of wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions. Patel may be required, if convicted, to forfeit property “in the amount of at least $22,221,454.40, which represents the proceeds of the offense.”
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