Ex-Jaguars Employee Amit Patel Plans to Plead Guilty; Expresses Regrets After Being Accused of $22 Million Worth Embezzlement

The Jacksonville Jaguars recently got caught up in a monetary scandal involving one of their past employees. An Indian-American named Amit Patel, who worked for the franchise from 2018 to 2023, reportedly stole approximately $22 million using his access to the club’s VCC (Virtual Credit Card).

But according to his attorney’s statement on Friday, he was planning to plead guilty for the “actions which have resulted in him both losing his dream job and damaging the organization.” He also expressed his regrets for his untrustworthy activities over a period of 5 years. Furthermore, the official statement detailed the fraudulent expenses Mr. Patel made with the money.

Ex-Jacksonville Jaguars employee wants to apologize and intends to seek addiction treatments

Mr. Patel’s attorney presented the attorney statement to the Jacksonville district court on Friday. It highlighted that the former employee was “remorseful” for his decisions and “apologizes for his conduct.” The one-page statement also lighted down on his gambling addictions, which, according to the statement, was 99% responsible for the embezzlement. “Mr. Patel’s serious gambling addiction does not excuse his actions, which he takes full responsibility for“, it read.

His attorney further stated that Mr. Patil was sorry for the improper conduct he made, which landed both him and his ex-employer under unforeseen circumstances. “Mr. Patel is deeply remorseful and apologizes for his conduct. He loved working for the Jacksonville Jaguars and regrets his actions.” the latter part of the statement read.

“Mr. Patel remains in treatment and recovery for his gambling addiction, and intends to seek ongoing treatment for the foreseeable future.” Subsequently, the former employee was also looking for help to get over his addiction and visited rehabilitation centers according to his attorney.

Read More: Ex-Jaguars Employee Who Allegedly Swindled $22 Million Reportedly Used It to Buy Tesla & Hire Private Jets

The statement also gave a brief description of the purchases and gambles he made, which even reflected in the image that’s surfaced about him. The image shows him at a South Florida poker competition in 2014, indicating his gambling addiction dates far back before he joined the NFL side.

Mr. Patel’s luxury purchases with the Jaguars’ money

His attorney statement lists the sum at approximately $22,221,454,40, stolen via fraudulent VCC transactions. The attorney stated that his client invested the money in online gambling, chartered Jets, luxury hotels, cryptocurrency investments, country club investments, spa treatments, event tickets, and home furnishing. Mr. Patel also purchased a few luxury wristwatches, including a Patel Phillipe Nautilus watch worth $95,484.15.

As the statement reads, 99% of the fund went into gambling losses, “with the anticipation he would repay the funds with the winnings and make the Jaguars whole.” But the plan didn’t work out, and he kept lying as he continued drawing money from VCC. He reportedly fabricated and inflated the expenses spreadsheets submitted to the accounting department every month where Mr. Patel recorded his spending as business expenses, such as airfare and catering.

The NFL had already started looking into the accusations in February 2023, following which the ex-finance manager was relieved of his duties. On Tuesday, a Jaguars spokesperson said they hired outside firms to evaluate the case, although they did not find any other active or past employees involved in the case. Now, it remains interesting to see how far the water flows with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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