Thu Dec 26 12:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Former Eagles Running Back Wendell Smallwood Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges
**WILMINGTON, DE –** Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood Jr. pleaded guilty on Friday to three federal fraud charges related to fraudulent tax returns and applications for COVID-19 pandemic relief funds. The 30-year-old, of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, admitted to schemes involving the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
According to prosecutors, Smallwood filed false tax returns for himself and others in 2021 and 2022, resulting in approximately $110,000 in fraudulent refunds. He also submitted fraudulent loan applications for three businesses under his name to the EIDL program, receiving over $46,000 in loans. Furthermore, he is accused of submitting fraudulent PPP applications on behalf of at least 13 other individuals, receiving nearly $270,000 in disbursed loans through kickback arrangements. Prosecutors stated that Smallwood used false information about the businesses’ operations, including start dates, revenue, expenses, and employee numbers, some using defunct or newly registered entities.
Smallwood’s attorney, Mark Sheppard, confirmed his client’s guilty plea and stated that Smallwood accepts full responsibility for his actions. Sentencing is scheduled for May. Smallwood played for the Eagles from 2016 to 2018, before playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders.
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