Senior politician resigns in wake of US gambling bust

Florida Lieutentant Governor Jennifer Carroll has resigned in the wake of a widespread investigation into internet gambling.

The case involving the Allied Veterans of the World Inc. & Affiliates who allegedly ran an illegal gambling operation under the guise of a non-profit fundraising centre was widely reported in the media today (Wednesday).

Carroll’s abrupt resignation followed an interview with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and has been attributed to the link between a public relations firm she once owned having consulted for one of the internet cafe firm’s under investigation.

Adam Hollingsworth, the governor’s chief of staff, said at a press briefing that Caroll had resigned “in an effort to keep her former affiliations with the company from distracting from the administration’s important work on behalf of Florida families. She made the right decision for the state and her family,” he said.

Carroll, a Republican and former Navy officer was previously the executive director of Florida’s Department of Veterans Affairs.  She was also the highest-ranking woman in state government.

New information emerging is that 57 arrest warrants were executed by authorities along with 54 search warrants issued at gambling operations in 23 Florida counties and five other states: South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Nevada and Pennsylvania.  300 bank accounts have reportedly been seized collectively containing $64.7 million along with assets that include exotic vehicles such as Maseratis, Porsches and Ferraris.

Chase Burns (37), owner of International Internet Technologies was released on a $500 000 bond from Caddo County Jail, however, it has emerged that his wife Kristin Burns (38) was also one of those arrested although her role in the company has not yet been made clear.

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