PA to former Orlando Magic player Arenas steals $2 million

A federal jury in Orlando, Florida has found John A White, the personal assistant to former Magic guard Gilbert Arenas, guilty of stealing more than $2 million (more than £1.3 million) from the basketball player when he played in the NBA.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that US Attorney A Lee Bentley III announced that White was found guilty of 11 counts of wire fraud and four of filing a false tax-related document. The PA faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each fraud count and up to three years for each document charge.

White was employed as Arenas’ PA from 2006-2012, according to evidence given at trial. Between 2008-2011, White stole approximately $2,188,170 from the player by making unauthorised online banking money transfers into three different accounts under his name.

Court records show White used the money to pay for the mortgage on his house, as well as to buy a Ferrari and a Range Rover. The evidence also shows that he and his wife never reported more than $60,000 in gross income despite the money he had transferred from Arenas’ account.

The case was investigated by the IRS and White was indicted in April of this year. He is due for sentencing on 19 November.

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