Former Commanders Running Back pleads guilty to federal fraud charges.
Former NFL running back Wendell Smallwood has pleaded guilty to multiple federal fraud charges. In October, Smallwood was charged with submitting false tax returns and fraudulent applications for COVID-19 relief funds, totaling “hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
The charges stemmed from his use of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), through which he allegedly filed fake loan applications in the names of at least 13 individuals. As a result of these false submissions, nearly $270,000 in loans were issued. Smallwood reportedly received kickbacks in exchange for his fraudulent actions.
The 30-year-old former player pleaded guilty to three fraud charges on Friday and is set to be sentenced in May. Smallwood, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft from West Virginia University, played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington, and Pittsburgh Steelers during his career. Notably, he was a member of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII championship team.
This case highlights the abuse of federal relief programs, as Smallwood exploited the PPP, which was established to provide financial assistance to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. His fraudulent actions were part of a larger pattern of misuse of these funds, which have led to numerous criminal investigations. As Smallwood faces sentencing next year, the case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences for those who attempt to defraud government programs intended to provide relief during challenging times.
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