Former NFL running back Wendell Smallwood , a Wilmington, Delaware native who once hoisted a Lombardi trophy with the Philadelphia Eagles , has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for fraud tied to pandemic relief programs, according to The News Journal . Smallwood, 31, received his sentence Thursday in U.S. District Court in Wilmington. In addition to prison time, he was ordered to pay $645,000 in restitution after pleading guilty earlier this year to wire fraud, conspiracy and tax fraud.

According to the report, prosecutors said Smallwood exploited COVID-19 economic relief programs by submitting false applications for nonexistent or defunct businesses, diverting more than $500,000 in federal aid. Court documents obtained by The News Journal indicate he personally pro

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