Lawyer sues Florida’s top legal officials over prosecution

ORLANDO, Fla. – A Florida attorney once accused of leading a $300 million gambling ring only to have his case thrown out years later is now suing the people who prosecuted him, alleging malicious prosecution and abuse of process.

Attorney Kelly Mathis filed the federal lawsuit Wednesday against former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, statewide prosecutor Nicholas Cox and officials in the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office outside Orlando, including the former sheriff.

Mathis was an attorney for Allied Veterans of the World. Investigators said the charity ran internet cafes that featured computerized slot machine-style games.

Fallout from the case led to the 2013 resignation of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll.

The Attorney General’s Office says it’s not a party in the lawsuit but may be involved in defending current and former attorneys.

Bondi didn’t immediately respond to an email.