A former Jacksonville Jaguars employee accused of stealing $22 million from the NFL franchise used some of that money to wager on sports betting sites.
Amit Patel worked on the financial side of the organization from 2018-2023. He is named in court documents filed at the U.S. District Court in Jacksonville, Fla.
The Jaguars weren’t specifically named in the documents, but the NFL franchise has confirmed to The Athletic they are the victim of the alleged crime.
Patel has been charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of an illegal monetary transaction. If convicted, Patel could have to pay back more than $22 million in property value.
Alleged crimes
Patel allegedly bought cryptocurrency used to fund sportsbook accounts with the stolen money acquired through the team’s virtual credit card program over four years.
He’s also alleged to have purchased cars, a condominium, jewelry, sports tickets, and trips for himself and friends, according to the court documents.
The Jaguars told CNN in a statement that Patel was terminated in 2023 and they are cooperating with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Waiving indictment
The organization also said Patel was a manager of financial planning and analysis “who took advantage of his trusted position to covertly and intentionally commit significant fraudulent financial activity at the team’s expense.”
The Jaguars added that Patel did not know of any football strategy or information.
Patel has already waived his right to an indictment and consented to proceed with information obtained by federal prosecutors.
