JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Fraternal Order of Police Foundation account was frozen by the government.
In a letter to FOP members on its Facebook page, the new acting FOP president Steve Amos says he's ordered an audit of the financial records. The group will also consult with an attorney.
One of the biggest questions now is what will happen with pension negotiations between the union and the city. Former FOP president Nelson Cuba had been negotiating them for months until an impasse was declared in November. The multi million dollar problem has put a strain on the city's budget.
Back in October, Cuba expressed his frustrations with the process and refused to negotiate with city leaders. Fast forward to this week when Cuba and then-FOP vice president Robbie Freitas ended up behind bars charged in the veterans charity scandal.
For first time since the scandal broke, only Action News asked Jacksonville's mayor about what this means for the future of pension talks.
"I have no idea about that process," Alvin Brown said.
The mayor wouldn't say much about the investigation that has rocked the city.
"I don't want to comment, I just think it's important to let it take care of itself and stay above it."
Fifty-seven people were charged, including local attorney Kelly Mathis and head of the Allied Veterans of the World, Jerry Bass.
Investigators say they took money meant to help local veterans and lined their own pockets with it. This week, police raided several local internet café's claiming what Allied Veterans was doing illegal gambling. Computers, documents, even cash and property were seized.
It's a scandal putting Jacksonville front and center and the mayor has refused to talk about the issue until today when we asked questions he still seemed to avoid.
"It would be inappropriate to comment on what's going on because it's still a criminal investigation," Brown said, "I don't want to comment on that."
Alleged ring leader Kelly Mathis was released after posting bond Friday. He proclaimed his innocence in front of the assembled media. Bass remains jailed. His bond was set at one million dollars.
