TLDR: Abdul-Malik McClain, a former USC football player, has struck a plea deal in connection with a scheme that attempted to fraudulently acquire over $1 million in COVID-related unemployment benefits from California’s Employment Development Department. The scheme took place between July and September 2020, during which McClain filed private unemployment claims using stolen identities of his teammates and associates. Initially charged with mail fraud and identity theft, McClain has agreed to plead guilty to a single count of felony mail fraud. The plea entails potential hefty penalties, including restitution and a possible prison sentence between 70 and 87 months according to federal guidelines, though the statutory maximum for this offense is 20 years. McClain was arrested in December 2021 but released on bond after denying guilt. Despite previous protests of innocence, the plea agreement acknowledges his leadership role in the scheme, which resulted in fraudulent payouts totaling approximately $283,063, far short of the scheme’s $1,056,092 target. The allegations also impacted McClain’s brother, Munir, who was suspended from USC’s football team. As part of the agreement, a hearing is set for June 17, with further consequences pending.

In a recent development, Abdul-Malik McClain, who once donned the colors of the University of Southern California on the football field, has agreed to plead guilty after being involved in a fraud scheme targeting unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. This scheme unfolded between July and September 2020, seeking to illicitly obtain over a million dollars in financial aid from the state’s Employment Development Department. As outlined in the plea agreement, McClain will admit guilt to a charge of felony mail fraud.

The accusations, initially presented in December 2021, detailed a scheme in which McClain and accomplices filed fraudulent unemployment claims under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. They utilized identities of teammates and others to lodge these claims, which were rife with false employment details, aiming to acquire debit cards loaded with funds. While originally charged with additional counts of mail fraud and identity theft, the plea agreement signals McClain’s acceptance of a single count of felony mail fraud.

This plea marks a pivot from McClain’s initial stance of innocence, which he maintained following his arrest, for which he was released on bond. Now, he faces penalties that could include restitution and significant jail time. Federal sentencing guidelines suggest a prison term ranging from 70 to 87 months for this offense, though the maximum penalty could extend up to 20 years. A hearing is slated for June 17 to finalize these consequences under the plea deal.

The initial indictment highlighted the filing of 36 illegitimate claims under the PUA program that McClain orchestrated. Although the sum sought was approximately $1,056,092, the scheme resulted in actual disbursements of about $283,063. Meanwhile, the scandal has overshadowed McClain’s collegiate career, as it surfaced amidst suspicions that USC athletes were being solicited to join in the fraudulent activity. His brother, Munir McClain, faced suspension around the same period, following allegations that players were encouraged to partake in the scheme.