Michael Bennett, Ex-NFL RB, Arrested in Alleged Loan Scam: Details, ReactionBy Mike Chiari Nov. 20, 2015
MORRY GASH/Associated PressFormer NFL running back Michael Bennett was arrested Thursday after allegedly swindling his girlfriend's parents through loan fraud.According to Peter Fimrite of SFGate.com, Petaluma Police Department Sgt. Ed Crosby said the 37-year-old former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings was taken into custody in Petaluma, California, on suspicion of grand theft, burglary, forgery and elder abuse for financial gain.Upon being arrested, Bennett reportedly admitted to the crime, Crosby said.Per TMZ, Bennett allegedly took out two loans totaling $325,000 in the name of his girlfriend's parents—both of whom are over the age of 65.Crosby also explained how the elderly couple ultimately discovered what Bennett had allegedly done, via Fimrite: "The parents received mail from brokers saying, 'Hey you got this loan,' but they hadn’t taken out any loans. It looks like he used the money to purchase at least one vehicle and go on some shopping trips."This isn't the first time Bennett has had a run-in with the law. In 2012, he was sentenced to 15 months in prison for wire fraud.Bennett spent 10 years in the NFL, which included stints with the Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders.The former University of Wisconsin star's best season came in 2002 when he rushed for 1,296 yards and five touchdowns with the Vikes. That marked his lone Pro Bowl appearance.Bennett is being held in Sonoma County Jail on $1 million bail and is expected to be arraigned Friday, according to Fimrite.link