Former College Football Player Admits to COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud

Abdul-Malik McClain pleads guilty to mail fraud after orchestrating a scheme to obtain over $1 million in fraudulent benefits.

McClain, 24, filed false unemployment claims and assisted other players in doing the same.
The scheme targeted California's Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, securing over $280,000.
McClain used debit cards issued by Bank of America to withdraw cash for personal expenses.
Originally facing 10 counts of mail fraud and two counts of identity theft, he now faces up to 20 years in prison.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.