Former NFL DT Sam Adams Charged with Felony Theft and Tax Fraud

Former NFL defensive tackle Sam Adams, who played with six teams in 14 years, had criminal charges filed against him for tax fraud and theft. 

According to The Associated Press, via ESPN.com, Adams is accused of failing "to pay taxes" and also "stole wages from workers at fitness clubs he ran in Seattle and Tacoma." Attorney General Bob Ferguson noted "Adams and his business partner engaged in fraud and theft totaling more than $500,000."

Lewis Kamb of The Seattle Times saw the affidavit that highlights the breakdown of charges against Adams and his business partner, Dana Lynn Sargent:

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During the latter part of 2013 through January 2014, Adams’s and Sargent’s illegal actions have caused employees, through no fault of their own, to have countless insufficient fund checks that they were unable to cash which resulted in employees losing their housing, being unable to pay household bills, being unable to buy Christmas gifts and accruing thousands of dollars in unpaid medical bills for themselves and their families.

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Kamb's report says this is "only the second time Washington state has filed a criminal wage-theft case." He also wrote that Ferguson talked about the potential for prosecutors to "pursue a harsher sentence" because certain charges can "carry aggravated factors."

Adams had a successful NFL career, being taken eighth overall in the 1994 draft by Seattle. He spent the first six years of his career with the Seahawks before signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000. The defensive tackle was part of the Ravens' Super Bowl win that season and was named to his first Pro Bowl. 

He would finish his career as a member of the Denver Broncos, appearing in 11 games during the 2007 season. He retired with 44 sacks and three interceptions.