ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (1010 WINS) -- A former New York Jets wide receiver was sentenced Friday to over three years in prison for fraudulently obtaining over $1 million through the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act.
According to court docs, Josh Bellamy, 32, of Florida, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Bellamy played in the NFL from 2012-2019, spending one season with the Jets, as well as time with the Bears, Chiefs and Washington.
As part of Bellamy’s scheme, he obtained a PPP loan over $1.25 million for his company Drip Entertainment LLC using false documents and info.
Bellamy admitted to using the loan on personal items like jewelry and a stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
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Bellamy also sought loans on behalf of his family members and close associates.
He also admitted to paying over $300,000 to alleged co-conspirator James Stote as kickback for assisting in preparing and submitting the false loan application.
Bellamy will also serve three years of supervised release, and pay $1.25 million in restitution and $1.25 million in forfeiture.
A Florida woman, Yashica Bain, 38, was also sentenced to two years in prison as part of the same scheme, obtaining a $415,000 loan.
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