Jaguars Employee Accused of Embezzling $22 Million from Team, According to Federal Authorities

A former Jacksonville Jaguars employee allegedly stole $22 million from the NFL team in a fraudulent scheme, federal investigators say. The Justice Department claims that Amit Patel used the money to buy expensive vehicles, a luxury condo, and a $95,000 designer watch, among other items. The Jaguars, referred to as “Business A” in the charging documents, confirmed that Patel was a former manager of financial planning and analysis. Patel, who was not involved in football operations, held various positions within the team’s financial planning and analysis department from 2018 until he was terminated in February 2023. According to investigators, Patel used his access to the Jaguars’ virtual credit card statements to manipulate financial documents and commit fraud. He allegedly purchased a Tesla, a Nissan pickup truck, a condo near Ponte Vedra Beach, chartered private jets, bought concert and sporting event tickets, obtained a country club membership, placed sports bets, and bought cryptocurrency with the stolen funds. Additionally, Patel secured a retainer with a criminal defense law firm in anticipation of potential legal action. His attorneys have not publicly commented on the case.