Ex-Cane Sentenced To 2 Years In Prison
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Former NFL and University of Miami defensive tackle William Joseph was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to an undercover FBI tax fraud investigation.
Joseph, 32, received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams Friday and was also ordered to pay a $10,800 fine and complete 300 hours of community service once he is released prison.
Joseph hasn't played in the NFL since 2010, but was at one time a first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2003. He made at least $8 million during his brief NFL career.
The FBI operated an undercover check-cashing store in North Miami and Joseph and seven others, including two football players, allegedly cashed roughly $500,000 in fraudulent tax refund checks.
Former NFL running back Michael Bennett and former Syracuse University lineman Louis Gachelin also pleaded guilty for their roles in the tax fraud scheme.
Bennett received a sentence of 15 months while Gachelin received the longest sentence, 28 months, for his part in the scheme.
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