Charity Scam: Florida Non-Profit Gambling Organization Busted After Allegedly Donating Just $6 Million Of $300 Million In RevenueAllied Veterans Of The World Busted By Authorities |
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A non-profit gambling organization designed to raise money for veterans has been busted for allegedly operating a criminal enterprise to make its owners filthy rich. Florida’s lieutenant governor resigned amidst the scandal, but wasn’t accused of any wrongdoing.
Allied Veterans of the World, founded in 1979, ran slot machine-style parlors around Florida.
Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll reportedly co-owned a public relations firm that did business with Allied Veterans. She even appeared in a commercial for the organization in 2011, according to the Associated Press. She was questioned by investigators.
Charges expected to be filed against dozens of individuals who were arrested this week include racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and possession of slot machines. According to Reuters, two police officers were among those arrested.
Via the Associated Press: “Each of the locations had rows of computers and a sign that read: ‘This is not a gaming establishment.’ On the walls were photos of company executives making donations and letters of recognition from some of the charities that supposedly benefited.”
Allied Veterans took in $300 million over a four-year period, but allegedly donated just $6 million to charity. Authorities say some of that money was spent on boats, oceanfront property and high-end cars such as Maseratis, Ferraris and Porsches.
One person responded to the news on the organization’s Facebook page, “As a Vietnam era veteran and paraplegic all I have to say about your arrests for scamming the public using the guise of a veteran’s organization is…I hope y’all end up in prison before you go to Hell!”
Allied Veterans’ mission was to “help fellow veterans, first responder organizations and other charitable organizations in need by contributing time, money and support services.”
Image via Jim Reed/Tampa Bay Online.
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