Josh Bellamy charged for COVID-19 relief scheme

Free-agent wide receiver Josh Bellamy was charged Thursday with wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud for his alleged role in a COVID-19 relief scheme.

The U.S. Department of Justice claims Bellamy received over $1.2 million in illegal Paycheck Protection Program loans for his company Drip Entertainment LLC. The entire scheme was allegedly worth over $24 million.

Bellamy was released Tuesday by the New York Jets. He was on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from a shoulder injury.

Prosecutors say Bellamy spent $62,000 of loan money at a Florida casino, and over $104,000 on items at luxury stores like Dior, Gucci, and various jewelers. The 31-year-old also allegedly withdrew over $302,000.

Bellamy played for the Chicago Bears from 2014-18 before joining the Jets last year. His most productive campaign came in 2017 when he caught 24 passes for 376 yards and one touchdown.