Former SU player among 3 ex-football players charged in tax, identity scheme

Miami (WSYR-TV/AP) – A former Syracuse University football player is one of three former players charged in a South Florida tax refund and identity theft scheme.

Former SU player Louis Gachelin, a native of the Miami area, was arrested along with former Oakland Raiders and New York Giants defensive tackle William Joseph and running back Michael Bennett, once a Minnesota Vikings first-round pick who played for several teams. Five others were accused of participating in the ring.

Federal prosecutors said Tuesday the FBI operated an undercover check-cashing store in North Miami used by the suspects from February through April. The group allegedly cashed about $500,000 in fraudulent refund checks. The money was paid out of FBI funds and no checks were actually cashed.

They face forgery and theft charges. It wasn't immediately clear if they had lawyers.