Wendell Smallwood faces 50 years in prison for COVID-19, tax fraud

Former Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood faces prison time for what authorities describe as COVID-19 tax fraud.

According to CBS NewsSmallwood was charged with three felonies — wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service — and faces up to 50 years in prison.

According to court documents filed in the District of Delaware, federal prosecutors allege that Smallwood defrauded government agencies by submitting false information to obtain tens of thousands of dollars in payments to businesses he operated.

Federal prosecutors also accuse Smallwood of engaging in a kickback conspiracy to defraud COVID-19 relief programs and lying to the IRS.

According to court documents, Smallwood applied for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) using “defunct or newly incorporated businesses and claimed bogus business operations” in applications to the Small Business Administration.

The charges carry a maximum of 50 years in prison.

Smallwood has not yet been arraigned, nor has he entered a plea in the case. A hearing on this is planned for December.

Smallwood’s attorney had this to say about the case.

“Wendell has cooperated fully with this investigation. We will have more to say when we appear in December,” said Mark B. Sheppard.

A native of Deleware, Smallwood played high school football at Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear before attending West Virginia University.

Philadelphia hit Smallwood in 2016 and played 6 seasons for the Eagles, Washington Football Team and Steelers.2017 season,

During the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl run, Smallwood finished with 174 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 13 receptions and 103 receiving yards.

He finished his career with 238 carries for 956 yards, 60 catches for 474 yards and eight touchdowns.