Former Patriots WR Kenbrell Thompkins arrested in Florida for stealing COVID-19 relief money, facing 10 years in prison
Imagine having an NFL career, and being a pretty solid player. Now, imagine stealing 300,000 dollars from the federal government. Welcome to the life of Kenbrell Thompkins.
Thompkins the cousin of Antonio Brown, is now facing 10 years in prison for using stolen identities to illegally obtain cash during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thompkins last played in the NFL back in 2017. He played with the Jets last, but was released before the season started.
Thompkins played college football for El Camino College from 2008 to 2009 and for the University of Cincinnati from 2011 to 2012. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New England Patriots in 2013 and was also been a member of the Oakland Raiders and New York Jets.
Thompkins has been charged by federal authorities after he allegedly fraudulently obtained benefits that were earmarked for those who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is accused of using stealing identities to illegally obtain the cash, according to TMZ. He is charged with aggravated identity theft and access device fraud.
TMZ reported that Thompkins received roughly $300,000 in the form of debit cards, then was seen on surveillance cameras using them to withdraw the money at a number of Bank of America locations in Florida.
This is a very sad story. Thompkins is only 32 years old.
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