Two former NFL first round draft picks have been arrested by the FBI in Miami as part of an investigation into identity theft and tax fraud.
According to USA Today and the Miami Herald, agents arrested William Joseph, the former University of Miami defensive tackle drafted by the New York Giants in 2003, and Michael Bennett, the former Wisconsin running back drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2001. Joseph played for the Giants from 2003 to 2007 and for the Raiders from 2008 to 2010.
A third man, Louis Gachelin, was also arrested. He is a former Miami high school star who played at Syracuse and is the half brother of Denver Broncos star Elvis Dumervil.
The FBI has not released details of the alleged scheme, but the Herald reports the case involves stolen identities used to file fake tax returns. The details are expected to become public once the criminal complaint is released. The three men are being held at a federal detention center in downtown Miami, and the FBI made other arrests in a related investigation.
It’s a long fall for two players who were once first round picks.
