Former West Virginia Running Back Wendell Smallwood Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges
Wendell Smallwood Jr., a former West Virginia Mountaineers running back and NFL player, has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges related
to fraudulent tax returns and misuse of COVID-19 pandemic aid programs. The plea agreement was approved on Friday by a federal judge in
Delaware, with Smallwood now facing sentencing in May. Smallwood, 30, from Mullica Hill, New Jersey, admitted to filing false tax returns and submitting fraudulent applications
to pandemic aid programs, netting hundreds of thousands of dollars. His attorney, Mark Sheppard, stated to the Philadelphia Inquirer that Smallwood is taking full responsibility for his
actions. “He recognizes this as the first step to making amends to the government and those closest to him,” Sheppard said.
Federal prosecutors outlined Smallwood’s schemes, which involved filing false tax returns in 2021 and 2022, earning him approximately $110,000 in illegitimate refunds. Additionally,
Smallwood fabricated information about defunct or recently registered businesses, falsifying details like revenue, expenses, and employee numbers.
In one instance, Smallwood fraudulently applied for loans under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program for three businesses in his name,
securing loans totaling over $46,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Prosecutors also accused Smallwood of exploiting the Paycheck Protection Program, submitting
fraudulent applications in the names of at least 13 individuals. This scheme led to the disbursement of nearly $270,000 in loans, from which Smallwood received kickbacks for his role
in preparing and submitting the fraudulent applications. Smallwood, who starred at West Virginia University from 2013 to 2015, led the Big 12 in rushing yards during his final college
season. His success earned him a spot in the NFL when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016. He played three seasons with the Eagles, followed by stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders.
The charges against Smallwood were initially filed in October. His legal issues mark a dramatic turn for the once-promising athlete who helped lead his college and professional teams to success.
Smallwood’s sentencing in May will determine the consequences of his actions, with federal fraud charges carrying significant penalties.