MIAMI -- 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. He faces a mandatory minimum otwo years in prison when sentenced in November.
A defensive tackle, Joseph was a first-round draft pick of the New York Giants in 2003. He last played in 2010 for the Oakland Raiders.
The 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.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press