More Arrests as Gambling Investigation Continues – Lt. Gov. Resigns Amid Controversy

HERNANDO – Business owners Anthony Alascia and Nicholas Cucciniella, the two men arrested yesterday in Spring Hill, are actually part of a much larger investigation that has resulted in several arrests across the state.

Allied Veterans, a non-profit charitable organization, was supposed to be helping veterans across America, but it turns out that only 2% of the over $290 million raised by the organization was actually donated to veterans; Alascia was connected to that organization.

The head of the organization, Jerry Bass, was arrested Tuesday morning along former national commander Johnny Duncan, and Corporate Secretary Michael Davis. Others were arrested Tuesday and there may be additional arrests as the investigation continues.

Connections even led to Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, who immediately announced her resignation yesterday after she was questioned by the FDLE for her past involvement with the organization. In 2010 she introduced a bill that would legalize gambling in Florida but withdrew her support after organizations like Allied Veterans took advantage of a loophole. There will be a live news conference in Orlando today at 2:30p.m. 

RNRF will bring you more on this breaking story as it develops.