Former NFL Player Wendell Smallwood Charged with Fraud

Wendell Smallwood Jr., a former NFL running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the IRS in relation to COVID-19 relief programs. Prosecutors allege that he submitted fraudulent applications to obtain tens of thousands of dollars in pandemic relief funds using false documents for businesses he controlled, including some that were defunct or recently established. Additionally, Smallwood is accused of participating in a kickback scheme where he recruited others to submit fraudulent applications, which led to improper tax refunds totaling $110,000. The charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 50 years, although first-time offenders like Smallwood typically receive lesser sentences. Smallwood's attorney stated that he is fully cooperating with the investigation, and a hearing is scheduled for December. Smallwood, who played in the NFL from 2016 to 2021, was part of the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning team but did not play in the game.