The legal problems for Amit Patel, formerly employed by the Jacksonville Jaguars and responsible for the theft of over $22 million from the team, are intensifying with fresh accusations. This week, authorities in Florida brought forth new grand theft charges against Patel, as indicated by state records accessed by ESPN. These charges could extend his existing prison term of six and a half years, which he received in 2023 after admitting guilt to wire fraud and unlawful financial transactions.
Patel is now confronted with six grand theft counts. In Florida, the act of grand theft involving a sum of $100,000 or greater constitutes a first-degree felony, carrying a possible sentence of up to 30 years. Previously, he was mandated to provide $21 million in restitution in addition to his imprisonment. Furthermore, the Jaguars have initiated a lawsuit against Patel, seeking $66.6 million in compensation for damages, which is yet to be resolved.
Throughout a five-year duration spanning from 2019 to 2023, Patel unlawfully obtained over $22 million from the Jaguars with the intention of supporting his gambling behaviors and indulging in opulent items such as getaways and goods. Allegations also arose that he acquired two automobiles, a condominium, and virtual currency during his tenure as the Jaguars’ finance director. Patel employed the team’s virtual credit card system to channel the funds into his FanDuel account and execute the deceitful transactions.
The Jaguars dismissed Patel from his position in February 2023. Subsequently, the FBI launched an inquiry, and in March 2024, Patel was formally sentenced.
While incarcerated, Patel initiated a civil action, asserting that FanDuel disregarded its own policies on responsible gaming and measures against money laundering. He is pursuing $250 million in reparations through this ongoing legal process.
Former Jaguars employee, now in prison, is suing FanDuel for allegedly ‘exploiting’ his gambling problem
Austin Nivison
A significant portion of the misappropriated funds was directly deposited into Patel’s FanDuel account. He deposited $20 million, while the sportsbook provided him with $1.1 million in credits and sponsored his attendance at events such as the College Football Playoff, the Masters, and the Miami Grand Prix. Patel also alleges that Brett Krause, a FanDuel VIP representative, communicated with him approximately 100 times each day between 2021 and 2023. Furthermore, he claims that Krause would inquire about his absence on days when Patel did not engage in gambling activities.
Matthew Litt, Patel’s legal representative, contended that FanDuel took advantage of Patel and enticed him into continuous gambling.
“The defendants intentionally singled out and victimized the Plaintiff with motivations, rewards, and gifts, with the goal to create, foster, accelerate and/or intensify his addiction with the inevitable outcome that he would reach a point of crisis,” Litt stated in the preceding year.
Theresa Trzaskoma, the legal counsel for Krause, characterized Patel as a “deceiver” who misrepresented his circumstances to Krause.
