Lawyer Sentenced in Allied Veterans Case
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
By: Matthew Peddie

February 12th, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando- One of the leaders of a $300 million gambling ring has been sentenced to 6 years in prison. Jacksonville attorney Kelly Mathis was convicted last year on over 100 charges including racketeering over his connection to the Allied Veterans of the World.

[Fl. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces arrests in the Allied Veterans investigation, March 2013. Photo- Matthew Peddie, WMFE]

Lawyers for Kelly Mathis told a Seminole County judge Wednesday that he shouldn’t have to go to prison, because he only provided legal advice to the charity Allied Veterans of the World.

But prosecutors said Mathis engaged in deception.

Mathis was one of more than 50 people arrested last year following an investigation into Allied Veterans.

Authorities described it as a sophisticated, multi-state gambling, racketeering and money laundering scheme that used the charity as a front.

Law enforcement targeted internet cafes in 23 counties, including Seminole County, during their three year investigation.

Former Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, who consulted for Allied Veterans when she was a state house representative, resigned in the fallout from the investigation.

Mathis is free on bond pending appeals.