3:02 PM
A federal judge in Florida sentenced Josh Bellamy to three years and one month in prison for obtaining over a million dollars in relief funds.
According to court records, Bellamy was sentenced in the federal court in the city of Tampa. He pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He must also pay for his time in prison.
He was released from the reserve/physically unable to play list by the New York Jets just days before his arrest. The wide receiver was placed on the list in May of that year, ending his season before it began. He signed a two-year deal worth $5 million with New York in the off-season and played in seven games, but injured his shoulder and was placed on the injured reserve list.
According to court records, Bellamy obtained a Paycheck Protection Program loan of over one million dollars for his company, using false information. The loan proceeds were used for personal items, such as jewelry and a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. His family members and close associates were given loans by him.
Prosecutors said that he paid a kickback to James Stote, his alleged co-conspirator, for his assistance in preparing and submitting the fraudulent loan application.
A South Florida woman was sentenced to two years in federal prison for her part in the same scheme. According to court documents, Bain pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She used false information and forged documents to get a $415,232 loan for her company. She admitted to paying Stote a kickback for his help in preparing and submitting the fraudulent loan application. She was ordered to pay back money.
Stote was charged in June 2020 with wire fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. His case is still pending.
In his eight seasons in the NFL, he has 78 catches for 1,019 yards and five touchdown. He signed with Kansas City as a free agent. After spending time with San Diego and Washington, he was claimed off waivers by Chicago and played five seasons with the Bears.
Billions of dollars in forgivable small business loans are available through the Paycheck Protection Program. It's part of the Coronaviruses Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
