Michael Anderson (pictured) has now stepped down as vice-chairman of Gillingham FC after he was indicted by a US grand jury
The vice-chairman of Gillingham FC faces up to 60 years in an American jail after being charged with fraud amounting to £4.4million.
Michael Anderson, 64, is alleged to have been involved in a scam to defraud the US military healthcare system and has been indicted by a grand jury.
Mr Anderson ran a Florida-based drugs company before investing cash in the League One club and if convicted he would have to repay the money.
The Kent-based outfit have now confirmed Mr Anderson has now stepped down as vice-chairman with immediate effect.
When approached by Kent Online, Mr Anderson said: ‘I’m sorry but I am unable to comment on the ongoing investigation.
‘As soon as I am vindicated, I will be pleased to give you a statement.’
The BBC reports that Mr Anderson, who has been vice-chairman since 2014, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud.
He has also been charged with two counts of money laundering that impacted the TRICARE pharmacy program, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for Florida.
The allegations relate to a period between 2014 and 2015 where it is claimed Mr Anderson and conspirators generated false prescriptions before submitting fraudulent reimbursement claims.
Kent Online reports Mr Anderson invested a lot cash into the club, who are currently 22nd in the third tier, and is still owed £433,000.
A statement on the club’s website from chairman Paul Scally confirmed there is an ongoing investigation in the US.
Mr Anderson was vice-chairman at the Kent-based club (pictured) for three years and is believed to have invested a lot of money
Mr Scally, who has been chairman of the club since 1995, said: ‘Following a visit from the Kent Messenger Group on Monday I was made aware of documentation in relation to Vice-Chairman Michael Anderson and an ongoing investigation in the USA.
‘An article will be published in tomorrow’s local newspaper and online in regards to this matter.
‘For the purpose of clarification Mr Anderson has agreed to step down as Vice-Chairman of Gillingham Football Club with immediate effect until the matter is resolved.
‘Mr Anderson has no shareholding in Gillingham Football Club nor associated companies, he is a non-executive director and has no executive involvement in the day to day running of the Football Club or associated companies.
‘I have spoken to the EFL, they have noted the position. The club is unable to make any further comment on the matter.’
If Mr Anderson is convicted in America, Gillingham FC (pictured here, their stadium Priestfield) he would have to pay back the money
Mr Anderson had to pass the FA’s ‘fit and proper-person test’ after he was investigated in relation to two other football clubs.
He was involved with Hampshire side Aldershot Town and Southern League Premier Division outfit Kettering Town when they went into financial trouble.
Mr Anderson later quit as director of Championship side Ipswich Town after just three days in 2006.
Issuing an apology to Ipswich fans after quitting, he said: ‘I was asked on a number of occasions if I have been involved in football.
‘I did not reveal my brief association with either Aldershot or Kettering because of embarrassment.
‘I didn’t want it to jeopardise my position with Ipswich Town. I would like to stress that I have done nothing wrong at these other clubs. Rather, I have personally ended up losing money.’