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Allied Veterans Leader Pleads No Contest, Avoids Jail Time

August 23, 2013 | WMFE - The leader of Allied Veterans of the World will avoid jail time, after pleading no contest Friday to two counts of operating a lottery. Authorities say internet cafes run by Jerry Bass were a front for a statewide $300 million gambling operation.

The deal means Bass could testify next month at the trial of other defendants connected to Allied Veterans.

More than 50 people were arrested after a three-year investigation into Allied Veterans. The investigation began in Seminole County and included federal, state and local law enforcement.

Authorities say the organization claimed to help veterans but really was a multi-state gambling, racketeering and money-laundering scheme.

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll resigned after the investigation. She had consulted for Allied Veterans in 2009 and 2010 when she was a state House representative.

The Florida Legislature banned internet cafes.

 

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