Ex-NFL Player Wendell Smallwood Faces Federal Fraud Charges

The former Eagles running back is accused of defrauding COVID-19 relief programs and the IRS, with charges carrying a potential 50-year prison sentence.

• Wendell Smallwood Jr., former NFL running back, has been charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
• Prosecutors allege Smallwood fraudulently obtained over $46,000 through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program by submitting false claims for defunct or newly registered businesses.
• He is also accused of working with an unnamed accomplice to submit fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program applications, resulting in over $269,000 in payouts, with Smallwood allegedly receiving kickbacks.
• Smallwood is further charged with preparing false tax filings for others, leading to over $110,000 in improper IRS refunds during 2021 and 2022.
• The former player, who has cooperated with investigators, is scheduled to plead in court on December 20 and faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted.

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