Amit Patel, a 31-year-old former finance manager for the Jacksonville Jaguars football team, has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in federal prison for wire fraud and engaging in illegal monetary transactions. Patel, a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, admitted to defrauding the Jacksonville Jaguars of over $22 million.
Patel's fraudulent activities began in September 2019 and continued until his termination from the Jaguars in February 2023. He misused his position managing the team's virtual credit card program to embezzle funds. Patel falsified accounting records to conceal his actions, making unauthorized purchases and transactions.
The embezzled funds were used for personal expenses, including gambling on online platforms, purchasing a condominium in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and funding luxurious travels via private jets and luxury accommodations. Additionally, Patel spent money on vehicles, legal fees, cryptocurrency investments, and luxury items, among other expenditures. Notably, he failed to report these earnings on his tax filings.
The FBI condemned Patel's actions as deceptive and detrimental to American companies and their customers, emphasizing their commitment to protecting against such fraudulent schemes. As part of his sentence, Patel must forfeit the stolen funds and make full restitution to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
