JACKSONVILLE Fla.-- Five local men and women charged in the Allied Veterans of the World Charity scandal say they're not ready to talk about charges.
Police say it's a $300 million illegal gambling scheme that has now netted former Fraternal Order of Police President Nelson Cuba and Allied Veterans of the World National Commander, Jerry Bass.
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VETERANS CHARITY SCANDAL: SPECIAL COVERAGE]
Action News went to get their side of the story, but were turned away by most family and friends.
Jerry Bass's wife told Action News off camera that the accusations against her husband are "all lies."
Bass is still behind bars. However, the man who police call the mastermind behind the entire scandal, Kelly Mathis, was released Friday, and he's the only one speaking out so far.
"I am innocent, and I will fight these charges to clear my name whatever it takes," said Mathis. "They tried to break me, they can't break me, the won't break me."
