The Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach, Florida ruled last week that the state of Florida and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office must return an estimated tens of millions dollars plus a yacht and a cattle company to Chase Burns of Oklahoma, and also pay his legal bills. Burns developed the computer software used in 50 storefront casinos affiliated with Allied Veterans of the World which were raided by Seminole County deputies and state agents on March 13, 2013. Subsequently all storefront casinos throughout Florida were shut down by the state legislature.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger said the gambling halls were disguised as internet cafes that benefitted disadvantaged military veterans. More than 50 people were arrested in the sting operation, including Burns. In February he pleaded no contest to two counts of helping to set up an illegal lottery and was sentenced to one year of probation.
Burns and his lawyer, Robert Leventhal of Orlando, said that because none of the property was in Florida, it was not covered by the state’s forfeiture laws. The appellate court agreed.
Several months ago, Bondi’s office and Burns agreed to a settlement that would have allowed Florida and the Sheriff’s office to keep a combined $7 million. However, according to court records, the Sheriff’s office rejected the settlement offer. No explanation has been given. A spokesperson from Bondi’s office said she was studying the ruling.
