A former employee of the Jacksonville Jaguars is being investigated for allegedly embezzling over $22 million from the franchise between 2019 and 2023 by manipulating the team’s digital credit card system.
Amit Patel, who worked with the Jaguars from 2018 to 2023, reportedly used the embezzled funds to purchase two vehicles, a luxury apartment, a high-end wristwatch worth more than $95,000, and chartered private flights. In addition, he supposedly invested the money in cryptocurrency and engaged in online gambling.
Patel has been referenced in legal documents.
“The Jaguars were not explicitly named in the federal filing—referred to as ‘Business A.’ However, the organization confirmed it was a victim of Patel’s alleged crimes,” a team spokesperson stated. “We can confirm that the individual cited in the filing was terminated in February 2023. In recent months, we have fully cooperated with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida throughout the investigation and appreciate their efforts in this case. As highlighted in the charges, this individual was in a financial planning and analysis role and misused his position of trust to commit significant fraudulent activities for personal gain. This individual did not have access to sensitive football strategies, personnel, or other proprietary knowledge. The club engaged reputable law and accounting firms to conduct a comprehensive independent review, which determined that no other team members were involved in or aware of his illicit actions.”
Patel faces charges of wire fraud and illegal financial transactions, with allegations of misappropriating at least $22,221,454.40 from the Jaguars.
This incident is the latest challenge the team has faced over the past 48 hours.
During a recent game against the Bengals, Trevor Lawrence quickly connected with Christian Kirk. However, the Jaguars’ top receiver left the game after his first catch due to a groin injury and did not return.
Kirk will undergo surgery for a core muscle injury, with an estimated recovery time of 6-8 weeks. He could potentially return if the team makes it to the Super Bowl.
In the same match, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffered a high ankle sprain on his right leg but fortunately avoided any severe injuries.
