Former Cane Star Pleads Guilty To Identity Theft
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Former NFL and University of Miami defensive tackle William Joseph will spend at least two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to an undercover FBI tax fraud investigation.
Joseph, 32, 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.
Joseph pled guilty to theft of government money and identity theft charges. The mandatory minimum sentence is two years in prison.
Former NFL running back Michael Bennett and former Syracuse University lineman Louis Gachelin also pleaded guilty for their roles in the tax fraud scheme.
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