A retired Philadelphia Eagles running back's post-NFL career takes an unexpected turn as federal investigators uncover alleged financial misconduct.
According to Breitbart News, Wendell Smallwood Jr., who played five seasons in the NFL, faces multiple felony charges for allegedly orchestrating a complex scheme involving fraudulent COVID-19 relief applications and tax fraud.
The District of Delaware prosecutors have brought forward evidence detailing an elaborate conspiracy involving multiple business owners and falsified documents. The charges include wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
Federal authorities claim Smallwood submitted fraudulent applications for COVID-19 relief funding through various businesses under his ownership. Some of these businesses were either non-operational or recently established with fabricated details to secure funding.
The investigation revealed a sophisticated kickback scheme involving 13 different business owners. These individuals allegedly received assistance in filing fraudulent relief funding applications and were required to return thousands of dollars to Smallwood and his associates.
The scope of the operation extended beyond COVID relief fraud into tax preparation services. Prosecutors allege Smallwood filed false tax documents containing incorrect information about income and deductions, resulting in approximately $110,000 in improper tax refunds.
The combined charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 50 years in prison. However, given Smallwood's status as a first-time offender, prosecutors are unlikely to pursue the maximum penalty.
Mark B. Sheppard, representing Smallwood, has indicated his client's willingness to work with investigators. The legal team's strategy appears focused on demonstrating cooperation with federal authorities throughout the investigation process.
The case highlights the ongoing federal efforts to combat COVID-19 relief fraud, which has become a significant focus for law enforcement agencies nationwide. The investigation continues to examine the full extent of the alleged fraudulent activities and the potential involvement of other parties.
Smallwood's NFL journey began when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the 2016 NFL Draft. His professional career spanned five seasons with three different teams before his retirement in 2020.
The transition from professional sports to private business ventures took an unfortunate turn with these federal charges. The case has drawn significant attention due to Smallwood's status as a former NFL player and the complex nature of the alleged schemes. The investigation has uncovered multiple layers of financial misconduct, suggesting a carefully planned operation that took advantage of both COVID-19 relief programs and the tax system.
Wendell Smallwood Jr., who once carried footballs for the Philadelphia Eagles, now faces serious federal charges related to an alleged scheme involving COVID-19 relief fraud and tax misconduct. The investigation by the District of Delaware has revealed multiple instances of fraudulent applications and a kickback scheme involving numerous business owners.
The former NFL player could face significant prison time if convicted, though his status as a first-time offender may influence sentencing. His legal team has emphasized their client's cooperation with authorities as the investigation continues to uncover the full scope of the alleged financial crimes.
