A former financial manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Johnathan Lee, has recently pleaded guilty to stealing $22 million from the team. He was arrested in October of 2019 and is now facing up to 30 years in prison.
Lee had worked for the Jaguars since 2013 and was responsible for overseeing the team’s finances. He had access to the team’s accounts and was able to transfer money into his own accounts without detection.
The FBI and IRS discovered that Lee had been transferring money from the Jaguars’ accounts into his own accounts since 2015. He was able to conceal his activities by creating false invoices and falsifying bank records.
The money that Lee stole was used to purchase luxury cars, jewelry, and real estate. He also used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including trips to Las Vegas and expensive restaurants.
Lee has been charged with wire fraud and money laundering. He faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
This case serves as a reminder that financial crimes can have serious consequences. It is important for businesses to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect their finances from theft and fraud.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have released a statement saying that they are cooperating with authorities and are taking steps to ensure that such a crime does not happen again. They have also stated that they are working to recover the stolen funds.
This case highlights the importance of financial oversight and security measures. It is essential for businesses to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect their finances from theft and fraud.