Former Eagles Running Back Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud

Former Eagles Running Back Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud

Wendell Smallwood Jr., a former Philadelphia Eagles running back, has admitted guilt to federal fraud charges. He was accused of submitting fraudulent tax returns and applications for hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds.

Smallwood pleaded guilty on Friday in a Delaware federal court. He faces sentencing in May for three fraud charges.

His attorney, Mark Sheppard, stated that Smallwood acknowledged his wrongdoing and is taking steps to make amends.

The 30-year-old Smallwood was initially charged in October.

• Tax Fraud: He filed false tax returns for himself and others in 2021 and 2022, illegally obtaining around $110,000 in refunds.

• Loan Fraud:

  • EIDL Program: Smallwood used fictitious business information to secure over $46,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

  • PPP Program: He submitted fraudulent applications for the Paycheck Protection Program on behalf of 13 others, receiving kickbacks from the nearly $270,000 in loans disbursed.

Smallwood was drafted by the Eagles in 2016 after a successful college career at West Virginia University. He played for the Eagles for three seasons, followed by stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders.