Florida Attorney Who Led Gambling Ring Sentenced To 6 Years

SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — An attorney convicted of leading a $300 million gambling ring that used a veterans charity as a front has been sentenced to 6 years in prison.

Jacksonville attorney Kelly Mathis was sentenced Wednesday after a Florida judge listened to character witnesses describe the lawyer as a man of integrity who loved his family.

Mathis' attorneys argued that he should be spared prison given he only provided legal advice to Allied Veterans of America.

But Statewide Prosecutor Nick Cox says Mathis deserved prison for engaging in deception. Cox says Mathis was responsible for marrying the gambling operation with the veterans charity.

Mathis was convicted last year of 103 counts of racketeering, possessing slot machines and other charges.

He will remain free on bond pending appeals.

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