Attorney: Client isn't gambling scam ringleader

Attorney: Client isn't ringleader of gambling charity scam, did nothing illegal

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Published On: Mar 14 2013 04:02:10 PM EDT

SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — A lawyer for a Jacksonville attorney who investigators describe as the mastermind of a Florida gambling scam says his client did nothing illegal.

Bond for Kelly Mathis was set Thursday for $1 million at the Seminole County Jail. Bond for Mathis' co-defendants ranged from $100,000 to $250,000.

None of the defendants during a first appearance hearing had the opportunity to argue for lower bond — a situation that their defense attorneys described as violating their rights.

Mathis' attorney, Mitchell Stone, says his client has been in jail for more than a day without the chance for a meaningful bond hearing.

Authorities say the operation Mathis was at the center of generated almost $300 million under the guise of donating the proceeds the veterans' groups but actually gave little to charity.

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