Key Defendant In Florida Charity Gambling Scam Case Enters Plea, To Receive ProbationAllied Veterans Alleged Donated Just $6 Million Of $300 Million In Revenue |
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Johnny Duncan, the former national leader of Allied Veterans of the World, reportedly entered a plea of no contest on Wednesday to charges related to the organization’s alleged massive charity gambling scam.
Duncan,66, was on the hook for money laundering and operating an illegal lottery, and he will be sentenced to probation, according to reporting from the Orlando Sentinel.
Allied Veterans took in $300 million over a four-year period, but allegedly donated just $6 million to charity. Authorities said some of that money was spent on boats, oceanfront property and high-end cars such as Maseratis, Ferraris and Porsches.
Charges against the dozens of defendants include racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and possession of slot machines. They allegedly turned Internet cafes into full blown casinos. A handful of other individuals reportedly have either resolved their cases or are close to it.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, “prosecutors’ No. 1 target, Jacksonville lawyer Kelly Mathis, the group’s general counsel…is set for trial next month.”
Florida’s lieutenant governor resigned amidst the scandal, but wasn’t accused of any wrongdoing. 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 reporting from the Associated Press.
Allied Veterans’ mission is to “help fellow veterans, first responder organizations and other charitable organizations in need by contributing time, money and support services.”
For more news from Florida, check out its state page.
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