Ex-NFL Player Pleads Guilty In Tax Fraud

MIAMI (AP) — Former NFL and University of Miami player William Joseph has pleaded guilty to federal charges arising out of an undercover FBI tax fraud investigation.

The 32-year-old Joseph pleaded guilty Friday to theft of government money and identity theft charges. He faces a mandatory minimum two years in prison when sentenced in November.

A defensive tackle, Joseph was a first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2003. He last played in 2010 for the Oakland Raiders.

FBI operated an undercover check-cashing store in North Miami used by Joseph and seven others, including two other former football players. The group allegedly cashed about $500,000 in fraudulent tax refund checks.

Former NFL running back Michael Bennett and former Syracuse University lineman Louis Gachelin have also pleaded guilty in the scheme.

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