Another 'U.S. Veterans' internet cafe defendant pleads guilty

The massive ‘Allied Veterans of the World’ internet cafe gambling bust in Florida last year claimed another victim this week when Robert Freitas pleaded guilty in connection with his part in the $300 million gambling ring.

Freitas, who is also a vice president of the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police, has agreed to testify against other defendants, if necessary, and is unlikely to serve more jail time than he already endured since his arrest.

Freitas was charged with multiple felonies, including illegally structuring financial transactions and running an illegal lottery.

The Associated Press news agency reports that the statewide investigation into Allied Veterans of the World resulted in the arrest of 57 people, the passage of legislation outlawing Internet cafes and the successful prosecution of Allied Veterans attorney Kelly Mathis (see previous reports).

Most defendants have made plea deals with prosecutors to avoid being imprisoned.