Former Syracuse lineman sentenced for tax fraud

MIAMI (AP) - Former Syracuse University lineman Louis Gachelin has been sentenced to 28 months in federal prison in an undercover FBI tax fraud investigation.

The U.S. Attorney's Office reports that the 31-year-old Gachelin was sentenced Monday. He pleaded guilty in July to theft of government money and identity theft.

After leaving Syracuse, Gachelin played professionally in Europe.

The FBI operated an undercover check-cashing store in North Miami used by Gachelin and seven others, including two former NFL players. The group cashed about $500,000 in fraudulent tax refund checks.

Running back Michael Bennett, once a Minnesota Vikings first-round pick who played for several teams, was sentencted to 15 months for his parti. Former Oakland Raiders and New York Giants defensive tackle William Joseph has pleaded guilty to charges and awaits sentencing.