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Ex-NFL Star Smallwood Sentenced for COVID Relief Fraud

9/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Wendell Smallwood Jr., a former NFL running back, received an 18-month prison sentence for pandemic relief fraud.
He must pay $645,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy, and tax fraud.
Smallwood diverted over $500,000 from COVID-19 relief funds through false applications for non-existent businesses.
He profited at least $200,000 and submitted over $110,000 in fraudulent tax returns.
Judge Richard G. Andrews permitted a sentence delay until December for Smallwood to finish his degree at West Virginia University.

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Story summary

Wendell Smallwood Jr., a former NFL running back, received an 18-month prison sentence for pandemic relief fraud.
He must pay $645,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy, and tax fraud.
Smallwood diverted over $500,000 from COVID-19 relief funds through false applications for non-existent businesses.
He profited at least $200,000 and submitted over $110,000 in fraudulent tax returns.
Judge Richard G. Andrews permitted a sentence delay until December for Smallwood to finish his degree at West Virginia University.