Ex-Jaguars employee implicated in stealing over $22 million from organization
A former Jacksonville Jaguars employee is being accused of stealing over $22 million from the organization, according to a report from Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic.
Amit Patel, a former front-office employee for the Jaguars, allegedly embezzled from the team by “exploiting the organization’s virtual credit card program.” Per the report, Patel used the money to purchase a condominium in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and to acquire a new Tesla Model 3 sedan and Nissan pickup truck, as well as other things. Patel also bought cryptocurrency, placed bets on online gambling sites and chartered personal jets. In total, he has been accused of stealing at least $22,221,454.40 from the Jaguars.
Jaguars speak out on allegations a former employee stole from franchise
Patel has been charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of illegal monetary transactions. The Jaguars confirmed the allegations in a statement.
“We can confirm that in February 2023, the team terminated the employment of the individual named in the filing. Over the past several months we have cooperated fully with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida during their investigation and thank them for their efforts in this case. As was made clear in the charges, this individual was a former 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 for personal benefit.
“This individual had no access to confidential football strategy, personnel or other football information. The team engaged experienced law and accounting firms to conduct a comprehensive independent review. Which concluded that no other team employees were involved in or aware of his criminal activity.”
Patel is listed in the Jaguars’ media guides from 2018-2022. He carried titles such as coordinator, financial planning and analysis, and then manager, financial planning and analysis. According to the court filing, Patel was fired in February 2023.
If convicted, Patel may be required to forfeit property “in the amount of at least $22,221,454.40.” That number represents the proceeds of the offense in addition to assets purchased or funded with the proceeds of the offenses and/or involved in an illegal monetary transaction, the filing states.